Gender equality key to SDGs
Despite the country being committed to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is shortage of information as well as obstacle in identifying appropriate indicators in this regard, speakers said at a workshop yesterday.
They stressed the importance of cooperation between public and private sectors for ensuring gender equality and justice for all to achieve SDGs within 2030.
Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) organised the workshop on “Linking SDGs 5 and 16: next steps in research and practice” at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital.
Presenting a keynote, Professor Fiona de Londras of Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, said in addition to government reports, NGOs can also prepare documents in line with the demands of SDGs, to supplement those.
“The government should take proper initiatives to implement laws, policies, rights and programmes,” she said. She also stressed on partnership between the government and civil society in this regard.
Professor Kate Bedford of Birmingham Law School expressed her concerns over lack of socio-legal data, partnership and knowledge sharing on the extent to which data are being utilised.
BLAST researcher Taqbir Huda said justice is not being ensured as incidents of violence towards women are not being reported in many instances. Citing a 2015 BLAST survey, he said, 72.7 percent women who experienced violence by their partners, never reported the incidents.
BLAST Executive Director Sara Hossain said the government should take initiatives to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women to achieve SDGs. Strong policies and enforceable legislation are needed for gender equality and women’s empowerment, she said.
Among others, Center for Policy Dialogue’s (CPD) distinguished fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya; National Legal Aid Services Organization Director Aminul Islam; UN Women Country Representative in Bangladesh Shoko Ishikawa, and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Deputy Secretary SM Shakil Akhter also spoke.