The third National Indigenous Women Conference started yesterday with an aim to establishing the rights of the indigenous women across the country.
The two-day long programme was organised by Bangladesh Indigenous Women Network (BIWN) and Kapaeeng Foundation, a human rights organisation for indigenous people, and held at the capital’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh Centre.
The programme was inaugurated by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) President Ayesha Khanam. Bangladesh Adivasi Forum President Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, also known as Santu Larma, was present as the chief guest.
“Bangladesh identified indigenous people as Bangali which is seen as an attempt to destroy the multi-national identities of the indigenous people. However, our social structure is class-divided. So we see discrimination in the cases of nationality, religion and so on,” said Santu Larma, who is also the chairman of CHT Regional Council.
He further said: “Despite the participation of women in almost all movements of the country, including the Liberation War, the state has failed to establish women rights.”
He urged all women, including those from the indigenous communities, to raise their voices to establish women rights.
Santu also noted that it would not be possible establishing the indigenous women’s rights without fulfilling the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tract Accord.
BIWN Coordinator Falguni Tripura presented the yearly report and also discussed the current human rights situation of the indigenous women.
According to the report: “From 2007 to 2015, as many as 434 indigenous women and children were victims of torture, rape and sexual harassment. However, there is no example of justice in these cases.”
Ayesha Khanam said: “The country’s women rights movement will not be successful until the indigenous women get involved with the movement.”
BIWN Joint-Convenor Chaitali Tripura gave the inaugural speech at the programme presided over by BIWN Convener Minu Maria Mrong. Chakma Circle Queen Yen Yen also spoke.