A network of local CSOs and NGOs in Cox’s Bazar to promote a human and gender responsive society through positive engagement with government.

Cox’s Bazar 09 December 2021: Cox’s Bazar women leaders have expressed their determination to work for equality, fairness and building a democratic society by learning from the biography of Begum Rokeya. On Rokeya day a discussion was organized at Cox’s bazar Municipal Preparatory High School on the initiative of CCNF. The discussion focused on the biography of Begum Rokeya. COAST Foundation activists Tahrima Afroz Tumpa and Mizanur Rahman Bahadur conducted the discussion titled “Learning of Rokeya Day: Pledge to build equality, fairness and democratic society”. Hamida Taher, Upazila Mahila Vice- Chairman, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Parishad, Cox’s Bazar and Khaleda Begum, Deputy Director, YPSA, Cox’s Bazarpresided over the meeting. Welcoming remarks were made by Bimal Chandra Dey Sarkar, Chief Executive, Mukti Cox’s Bazar, among others, Advocate Saki-e- Kausar, APP, Women and Child Abuse Suppression Tribunal and Professor Cox’s Bazar Law College; eminent poet and writer Shamima Akter; Masuda Murshed Ivy Head Teacher, Cox’s Bazar Government Girls High School; Fatema Ankis Daisy, President Cox’s Bazar Central Women’s Cooperative Society; Sheuli Sharma, Executive Director, Jago Nari Unnayan Sangstha; Nilima Akter Chowdhury, Chairman, Agrayjatra, Cox’s Bazar; Rita Bala Dey, Senior Teacher, Kutupalong High School; Golam Sarwar, Headmaster, Municipal Preparatory High School, Cox’s Bazar; Parash Kanti Dey, Municipal Preparatory High School, Cox’s Bazar; Md. Elias, Chief Executive, CHRDF.

Bimal Chandra Dey Sarkar said, Begum Rokeya stood up against misogyny and anti-feminist society. In fact, in order to improve society, two things have to be done, to make women self-reliant and to change the attitude of men towards women. It’s time to raise your voice and move on. We need to ensure that women have a fair share of the wealth they have”.

Hamida Taher said, “We, the women need to be prepared to stand up against VAW. If we can wake up, we can prevent VAW. We need to be aware of women’s rights and empower them. In addition to education, we need to take the opportunity to develop ourselves and enter the workplace.

Advocate Saki-e- Kausar said, “At present, there is inequality in every sphere of society. In order to eliminate this inequality, the new generation has to come forward with the ideology of Begum Rokeya. Man and woman are the two eyes in a society. Men and women must move forward equally”.

Fatema Ankis Daisy said, “As Begum Rokeya has done through her work, writing, so the main work concern of today is that you will spread the light of your knowledge all over the country with the help of education”.

Masuda Murshed Ivy said, “Begum Rokeya’s contribution in building a well-educated and non-communal society is essential. By following and imitating Begum Rokeya’s philosophy, education, sense of humanity, society and cultural consciousness, her ideals should be spread in all walks of life. She demanded Rokeya Corner in educational institutions in Cox’s Bazar”.

Shamima Akter said, “Begum Rokeya the pioneer of women’s awakening, brought the light of education for the women. She never felt helpless in a bad situation. We women will lead society by using our intellect and thinking power. We all need to show respect for women as well as recognize their contribution and play a leading role in ensuring equal rights for women”.

Fatema Ankis Daisy said, “We know that women are moving forward on an equal footing with men in tackling all issues like family, society, state, economy, and politics. This society cannot be imagined without women. Women are an important part of society. They must come forward to change their destiny, be aware, be educated and have to know their rights. Because it is impossible for the women to move forward without education”.

Sheuli Sharma said, “Women must be rich in knowledge and qualities. Be supportive and friendly towards other women. Rokeya day will be successful only if the lessons of Begum Rokeya’s life can be reflected in their own lives”.

Nilima Akter Chowdhury said, “If we want to change the society, you have to change yourself first. So women need to be enterprising and be active to start a change”.

As a chief guest Khaleda Begum said, “We want competitive participation of men and women in the workplace. If we can ensure the rights of women from the family then women will move forward in the society.”

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