Since the early '90s, the Norwegian Embassy has supported Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), one of the most prominent women's NGOs in the country. Under the heading "Equality Needs Equal Opportunity", BMP recently held its 11th National Conference inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed as Chief Guest, and the Norwegian Ambassador H. E. Ms. Ingebjørg Støfring as Special Guest.
24/01/2008 :: A large number of gender activists from different parts of Bangladesh found their way to the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on 17 January. Members of various BMP branches turned up in colourful uniform dresses. The speeches by the special participants behind the beautifully decorated panel, the Honourble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, the Norwegian Ambassador, the BMP President and General Secretary and branch leaders, were warmly welcomed.
In her speech, the Norwegian Ambassador shared her thoughts about gender equality issues in Norway and Bangladesh. One of the points she made was that in order to achieve greater gender equality one has to identify the missed opportunities, and find out how those doors that are open only to a privileged few, can be opened to everyone, men and women alike.
Another focal point in her speech was that the ongoing reform process in the Government of Bangladesh and the remaining months before the upcoming election offer a golden window of opportunity for women activists to influence the future of Bangladesh, and to promote the cause of equality and equal opportunities. "As the Caretaker Government and the election commission have pledged to make the upcoming election free from the influence of black money, muscle power and corruption", she said, " there are plentiful of clean and competent women out there that would make excellent members of parliament if elected".
You can read the Ambassador's speech here.