Speakers demanded creating more employment opportunities for physically-challenged women and eliminating discrimination towards women in the workplace and towards their getting employed, reports UNB. The urge came up at a discussion organized by National Council for physically challenged women (Protibondhi Narider Jatiya Parishad-PNJP) in association with Disability Rights Fund (DRF) at National Press Club yesterday. Physically challenged women from various parts of the country took part on the occasion. PNJP project manager Shamima Akhter presented a keynote paper at the program.
In her keynote paper Shamima Akhter said there are 1.60 crore physically challenged people in Bangladesh. Among them, 82 lakh are women and they still remain seriously underprivileged.
Speaking on the occasion, PNJP chief Nasima Akhter said people of all strata including government and non-government organizations must come forward to stand by physically-challenged women and must engage them in the mainstream development of the country by creating employment opportunities for them.
Observing that economic solvency and freedom can empower disabled people and change their fate she urged employers and organisations to create congenial work environments in the workplace for them. Dr Anisuzzaman urged society, especially employers, to change their mindset towards them, adding that they also can contribute at every level of society and the country like normal human beings.
Speakers also urged the media to highlight creation of more employment opportunities for physically challenged women, and eliminating discrimination towards women ensuring a better workplace environment.
Chaired by PNJP President Nasima Akhter among others, Jatiya Press Club President Shafiqur Rahman, GIZ Adviser Dr Anisuzzaman, Dhaka Reporters Unity President Shakahwat Hossain Badsha among others spoke on the occasion.