JCI Dhaka Independent, a brand-new chapter of JCI Bangladesh launched in March, hosted a webinar on inclusivity on Saturday, where speakers shed light on how transgender people in the country are lagging behind in terms of employment, due to lack of opportunities.
The webinar, titled “Inclusivity is not a privilege,” was held on Saturday, starting at 7pm, according to a press release issued by JCI Dhaka Independent.
Planning Minister MA Mannan attended the event as the chief guest.
Inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971, JCI Dhaka Independent aims to bring a positive impact to the transgendergender community through inclusivity.
In the current social context, transgender people are either being overlooked or lagging behind in receiving formal employment. In order to make the practice mainstream, it is important to create an enabling environment to include them in the process, the statement said.
The organization aims to minimize the gap between the transgender community and employers.
Addressing the event, Planning Minister MA Mannan said: “The government is working on inclusivity for all of the deprived communities, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
JCI Local President Tasnuva Ahmed, who chaired the event, said: “When we say inclusivity is not a privilege, we mean we are not asking for any benefit. We are ensuring rights for the people who are discriminated against according to their gender.”
Gender specialist Nazia Zebin and JCI Dhaka Independent Legal Counsel Saraban Tahura took the workshop on the topic.
Esteemed panelists included Ho Chi Minh Islam, gender activist; Sentia Bhuiya, founder of Bhuiya Foundation; Noyem Sharif, head of operations, MBM; and Munshi Hanium Maria Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Tahoor.
Mahfuz Mishu, special correspondent at Jamuna Television, moderated the session.