Commission seeks ‘equality and security’ for women

The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission is headed by Shirin Parveen Haque, founder member of Nari Pokkho

The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, formed in the second phase of state reforms aimed at the democratic transition of Bangladesh following power change, has submitted its report to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

The panel members presented the report to the interim government head at the State Guest House Jamuna around 4:30pm on Saturday.

The commission has made three major recommendations on the constitution, the law and women's rights, stressing the need to strengthen the basis of equality and protection.

It also proposed to improve the institutional structure and efficiency of national organisations for women's advancement.

The interim administration formed the reform commission on Nov 18, 2024, appointing Shirin Parveen Haque, founder member of the women’s rights group Nari Pokkho, as its head.

According to the report, the commission held 43 regular and 39 consultation meetings, latter with women rights activists, development agencies, labour unions, ethnic, and underprivileged communities of the hills and plains.

It also held nine joint meetings with other reform commissions.

Alongside Dhaka, the meetings were held in Chattogram, Rangamati, Khulna, Sreemangal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

The commission has also taken the advice of “experienced individuals” and organisations on a range of issues.

In its report, the panel has asked to focus on decentralisation and local-level development to establish women's interests and rights.

The report also calls for the protection of women and girls by building a violence-free society and increasing women's participation in the public sphere at the national and local levels and in public administration.

In addition, there are proposals to empower women through education, technology and skill development, ensure the well-being of women of all ages, establish women's participation in the economy and rights over property, take measures to increase labour and employment and confirm the safe accommodation for female workers.

The recommendations also include sustainable social protection to reduce poverty, women's participation and positive portrayal in the media, women's inclusion in sports and culture and in dealing with disasters and climate change.

The commission has taken into account the constitution and laws, existing policies, institutions, and programmes while preparing these recommendations.

The proposed timeline for implementation of the proposals has been divided into two parts.

One is during the term of the interim government; the other is during the next elected government’s tenure.

The interim government also set up the Media, Health Affairs, Labour, and Local Government Reform Commissions in the second phase.

These commissions were initially tasked with submitting their reports within 90 days, but their deadlines were extended twice, first to Mar 31 and later to Apr 30.

Among them, the Local Government Reform Commission’s preliminary recommendations were submitted on Feb 22, followed by the Media Reform Commission’s report on Mar 22.

With the submission of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission’s report, only the health and labour reform reports remain outstanding.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on Aug 5, 2024, the interim government in October formed six commissions to initiate state reforms.

Reports from the first-phase commissions—on constitutional, judiciary, electoral, public administration, police and Anti-Corruption Commission reforms—have already been released.

The National Consensus Commission has begun dialogue with political parties since Mar 20 to reach a consensus on the recommendations of the five reform commissions, except the Police Reform Commission.