State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pioneered women's awakening and empowerment in Bangladesh.
The state minister said this at a dialogue organized to mark International Women's Day at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York on Wednesday.
She said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, had ensured women's rights.
“After independence, he took various steps to empower women and create employment. Following his footsteps, Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina is implementing various projects and development programs for the socio-economic development of women in Bangladesh," she added.
By achieving gender equality, she said, Bangladesh is now established as a role model in the world in women's development and empowerment.
Indira said the premier launched the “Joyeeta Foundation” in 2011 to accelerate women's economic and social development.
Joyeeta's activities have now spread to divisions, districts and upazilas and a nationwide women-friendly marketing network has been developed, she said, adding that confidence, enthusiasm and passion have been created among women entrepreneurs at the grassroots level based on “Joyeeta”.
Later, the state minister held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ugochi Daniels.