Women, men must progress unitedly

Women and men must stand by each other, go ahead side by side. Unless there is equality between the two, neither can survive.

The women achievers speaking at the International Women’s Day programme organised by Prothom Alo said that no one can progress ahead unless men and women cooperated with each other. Sustainable development would not be possible without gender parity.

Prothom Alo’s women’s day programme took place yesterday, Monday, at the Chhayanaut centre in the city. The theme of the programme was ‘my work, our achievement’.

There are many persons behind any success. Sometimes credit is given to a sole entity for success. But everyone has a vital role to play, none is negligible. That is why any achievement is not ‘mine’, but ‘ours’. The participants at the programmes stressed this point repeatedly.

Prothom Alo greeted and paid honour to the women achievers who have attained success in various fields. Bouquets were presented to national professor physician Shahla Khatun, CEDAW committee’s former chairperson Salma Khan, Ittefaq’s acting editor Tasmima Hossain, Berger’s managing director Rupali Chowdhury, singer Farida Parveen, dance artiste Sharmila Bandhyapadhaya, tariff commission chairman Mushfiqa Iqfat, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat, the SAF Games gold medalists Mabia and Mahfuza, Kalsindur’s footballers Sanjida and Maria, and their school’s headmistress Minati Rani Saha. Special tribute was paid to Ayesha Siddiqua, the young woman who had undergone torture and suffering in India. Her diary-based book ‘Ahata Ami’ was launched at the programme too.

It was a lively occasion, where the guests enjoyed the programme for over two hours. There were tears of joy and pride. The two gold medalists, the Kalsindur girls and Ayesha Siddiqua were hailed as inspirations.

Ayesha Siddiqua spoke of her trials, tribulations and life in the shelter home. She spoke of her escape, her book, painting, poetry, writing and other incidents. Her husband Sharafat and three daughters were present on the occasion. Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman presented her with a copy of her book published by Prothoma. He also read out a poem by Ayesha Siddiqua. All present were moved to hear Ayesha’s story. Her determination to start life anew impressed everyone.

Mabia, who won the gold in weightlifting, and Mahfuza, who won gold in swimming, spoke of their lives and ambitions. The video clip of Mabia standing tall on the winner’s podium, tears streaming down her face, went straight to everyone’s hearts. The entire audience stood to show respect to these two young women. They girls spoke of further achievements in the international arena including the Olympics. They wanted to do Bangladesh proud.

Footballers Sanjida and Mabia of the village Kalsindur told their stories. In simple words, they explained how they surmounted all odds to bring fame and glory to the nation. They said they wanted to take themselves and the country far ahead by playing well. Their headmistress Minati appealed to all to stand by the Kalsindur girls.

The programme began with the three siblings Swagata, Shabhyata and Shandhi singing with Nadia on the violin, ‘Amra Korbo Joy’ (We shall Overcome). The programme began and ended with the commitment for victory.

Prothom Alo feature editor Shumona Sharmin began the programme, saying that women and men needed to have a mindset of mutual cooperation.

She said there were always many persons behind any achievement. She said, “We no longer have to say ‘woman cricketer’ or ‘lady doctor’. ‘Cricketer’ or ‘doctor’ suffices.”

Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman said, women are forging ahead, overcoming all hurdles and odds. Prothom Alo will always remain with this journey.

He said, women like Ayesha and others who speak of their lives, will enable other women to overcome the innumerable obstacles on their way ahead.

Former food secretary, presently the tariff commission chairman, Mushfiqua Iqfat said women had achieved a lot. But it was not easy. It was only in her batch of government service that women first became deputy commissioners and secretaries. Now many women were being given such senior positions.

US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat said women and men had to progress side by side. Nothing could be done separately. Everyone was each other’s guide.

Shahla Khatun said, women would not be able to do anything alone. They needed the help of their fathers, brothers and friends. This applied to men too. Men and women would have to work unitedly.

Salma Khan said, “I always wanted to reach a position where I could take decisions. I want equality to prevail. I will not stand for any form of discrimination.”

Singer Farida Parveen sang a few lines and dance artiste Sharmila Bandhyapadhaya said that she wanted no woman to be looked down upon because they danced.

The programme ended with songs by Kiran Chandra Rai and Chandana Majumdar.