More girls and women will be able to take up leadership roles if equal opportunities, a healthy environment and gender equality are ensured, said speakers at a roundtable on Tuesday.
They also said gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable community.
The roundtable, titled "Women rise: A discussion on how female leaders in the healthcare sector empower women across communities," took place to celebrate female champions in Surjer Hashi Network and discuss the healthcare sector's contribution to empowering women in Bangladesh.
The event was organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
At the event, Zahida Fizza Kabir, executive director, Sajida Foundation, said: “We have to give them opportunities in both public and private industry including policymaking level.”
"Development partners and the government of Bangladesh can work together to achieve the goal," said Zahida Fizza Kabir, adding: “If we provide protection, flexibility and maternal benefits in the workplace, it would be possible to bring more women on all platforms.”
She also mentioned Bangladesh as the country with the highest fertility rate among South Asian countries where nearly one-third of girls deliver babies at 18.
In this regard, she emphasized preventing child marriages to encourage empowerment for women.
Shaila Purvin, CEO, Surjer Hashi Network, said: “Not just creating the facility, but implementing it will reduce gender discrimination.”
Rubaba Dowla, CEO of Pulse Digital Health Care, said: “If girls and women want their position in leadership roles then they must keep in mind the sacrifice they will have to make to achieve their goals. Besides, the government also has to create an environment for equal opportunities.”
The awareness can be ensured from the school level, she added.
USAID Project Management Specialist (Maternal and Newborn Health) Dr Farhana Akhter said: “Using digital tools can reduce gender discrimination and women can assume positions according to their experience and skills. But women's participation in using digital tools is significantly lower than men's due to lack of skills.”
Parvez Mohammad Asheque, chief of party at USAID, conducted the event.
