Women must be given equal opportunities to boost economy

Says Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka

Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka Johan Frisell has said women must be given the same opportunities and rights so that they can play their role in society and contribute to the national economy in a big way, reports UNB.
"In Bangladesh, only one third of the women can work (formal sector). If you can double that figure you'll see a big boost for economic development," he said.
The Ambassador made the remark in a video message yesterday marking the second anniversary of the 'HeForShe' campaign in Bangladesh.
It is a global movement for men, initiated by UN Women, to mobilise men and boys for women's rights. A Bangladesh chapter of this movement was launched two years ago.
"Almost every single development project that we do here has a gender equality aspect," Ambassador Frisell said mentioning that all humanbeings are created equal.
He said two years back he along with others decided to give a boost to HeForShe campaign here in Bangladesh. "That has been my focus in the last two years."
Right now, he said, they are starting up a very interesting project to promote women entrepreneurs to start more small and medium size businesses where they will employ other women.
"I think the willingness is there. The ambition is there. You just have to expand the horizon," Frisell said.
He also said most men here are very concerned about the situation of their daughters, and they are careful that their sisters and wives do not end up in violent situation.
Together with Chris Hunter, Country Representative of UN Women, Johan Frisell will attend a roundtable discussion today for prominent Bangladeshi men who one or the other way have shown leadership in promoting gender equality.
The event connects to the International Women's Day.

Women must be given equal opportunities to boost economy

Says Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka

Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka Johan Frisell has said women must be given the same opportunities and rights so that they can play their role in society and contribute to the national economy in a big way, reports UNB. In Bangladesh, only one third of the women can work (formal sector). If you can double that figure youll see a big boost for economic development, he said. The Ambassador made the remark in a video message yesterday marking the second anniversary of the HeForShe campaign in Bangladesh. It is a global movement for men, initiated by UN Women, to mobilise men and boys for womens rights. A Bangladesh chapter of this movement was launched two years ago. Almost every single development project that we do here has a gender equality aspect, Ambassador Frisell said mentioning that all humanbeings are created equal. He said two years back he along with others decided to give a boost to HeForShe campaign here in Bangladesh. That has been my focus in the last two years. Right now, he said, they are starting up a very interesting project to promote women entrepreneurs to start more small and medium size businesses where they will employ other women. I think the willingness is there. The ambition is there. You just have to expand the horizon, Frisell said. He also said most men here are very concerned about the situation of their daughters, and they are careful that their sisters and wives do not end up in violent situation. Together with Chris Hunter, Country Representative of UN Women, Johan Frisell will attend a roundtable discussion today for prominent Bangladeshi men who one or the other way have shown leadership in promoting gender equality. The event connects to the International Womens Day.