Posted by: Farzana Yesmin
on Aug 05, 2009
Women for Women in Bangladesh
One of the most important women's groups in Bangladesh is Women for Women: A Research and Study Group, located in Dhaka. It is a pioneer non=government, non-profit, voluntary women's organization, engaged in research and public education programs on gender issues with a view to enhancing the status of women. It was established in 1973 by a group of committed woman professionals, representing a variety of academic disciplines. The Group strongly felt the need for developing a sound information base for identifying the issues relating to the disadvantaged status of women in Bangladesh and for creating public awareness with a view to ameliorating the existing situation. Since then, Women For Women has been engaged in research, information, dissemination, advocacy awareness and motivational programs.
The objectives of Women for Women are:
1. To create awareness among people of Bangladesh, particularly policy planners and public functionaries, about the need for enhancing women's status and molding public opinion for action against the oppression and exploitation of women.
2. To organize, undertake and promote research and study in all areas of women's life in general, and to focus on the specific problems impeding their integration in development efforts in particular, keeping in view the national priorities.
3. To be a forum for effective advocacy for gender equity through dissemination of policy-oriented research findings concerning women through publications, research, seminars and exchange forums.
4. To inform and educate a wider audience about critical issues, current concerns and to promote interaction through publications and national conventions.
5. To establish and develop linkages and networking with similar groups at home and abroad.
6. To create and develop gender-sensitivity among planners, public functionaries, development agency personnel and program implementors thorugh relevant gender training programs.
7. To extend cooperation and consultancy services to the government as well as to other national and international agencies involved in the area of women and development.
The activities of Women for Women include seminars, workshops, conferences, national conventions, library development, and publications. You can contact Women for Women through Dr. Mahmuda Islam, General Secretary at this postal address: Women for Women, 1/2 Sukrabad, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
