These reform opportunities are the outcome of the anti-discrimination movement, which has created an obligation to act.

It is essential to identify and address disparities and work towards eliminating discrimination against women in all sectors.

Speaking at an event organised by ActionAid Bangladesh on Thursday to mark International Women's Day 2025, Shireen Parveen Haque, Head of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, highlighted these issues.

She said, “Our primary focus must be the elimination of discrimination against women in all areas. We must work to reduce gender inequality and identify the barriers to women's development and progress. Women's rights must be prioritised in all reform commissions".

At the event, three inspiring activists and professionals were awarded the ‘Nasreen Smriti Medal 2025’ in three categories in recognition of their significant contributions to combating sexual harassment, violence and child marriage; addressing climate change and natural disasters and promoting women’s leadership in sports.

This year's awardees are rights activists Donaipru Nelly, community leader Rina Khatun, and former footballer Afroza Khandakar.

The event included a showcase of women's success stories, an award ceremony, and an interactive discussion session.

The discussion, moderated by Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, featured experts from various sectors.

The conversation explored the current state of women's empowerment, challenges, opportunities and necessary actions to ensure women's participation in all sectors.

Speakers at the discussion acknowledged that while there has been some progress in women's empowerment, it remains insufficient.

Women continue to lag behind in many areas. To build a fair and inclusive society, it is essential to raise awareness about the structural challenges women face, foster a positive perspective on women's empowerment, and encourage collective action.

Recognising women's significant leadership in the anti-discrimination movement, Shireen Parveen Haque, Head of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, said, "There is a deliberate effort to push women back. We must identify who is responsible for this and why it is happening. During the July movement, women from Rokeya Hall were the first to come forward, but why did they disappear so quickly? No one gives up their position willingly—they are pressured to step back."

Ashif Mahmud, director, NGO Affairs Bureau, Chief Advisor’s Office, called for collaborative efforts between the government and non-governmental development organisations to advance women's economic, social, and political empowerment.

Farah Kabir highlighted ActionAid Bangladesh’s contributions to women's empowerment.

Md Manir Hossain, additional director of the Department of Women Affairs (MOWCA), noted that efforts are underway to update laws and policies related to women's development.

“We must work from the grassroots level. On behalf of the government, we are committed to working together for nation-building,” he said.