The Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Centre for Gender and Development Studies at the University of Dhaka organized a two-day international conference on “Gender, Social Justice, and Sustainable Development: The Asian Perspective” on August 7-8, 2023, at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium.
Objective of the conference: The conference encourages submissions of original research, policy reviews, and best practices that integrate social justice and gender equality to achieve a sustainable future for Asian countries. It will specifically address the challenges of ensuring gender equality and social justice in the context of sustainable development goals, aiming to find effective solutions to these issues.
Countries participated: Bangladesh, Canada, India, Srilanka, Thailand, United States of America & United Kingdom
Sessions: 10 Sessions
Two Day Program Summary (7-8 August 2023):
Professor Dr. Naila Kabeer of the London School of Economics delivered the keynote speech at the opening session on August 7, 2023. The event was organized by the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Centre for Gender and Development Studies to commemorate the 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata. The session was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman.
Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the National Parliament, addressed the event as the chief guest. Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh, was the guest of honor, and Professor Dr. Zia Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, was a special guest. Professor Dr. Tania Haque, Director of the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Centre for Gender and Development Studies, delivered the welcome address to the audience.
In her speech, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury paid tribute to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Mujib. She urged the women of the country to become skilled human resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman encouraged students to be catalysts for positive change in society, emphasizing the importance of embracing the ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa. He highlighted the significance of the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Centre for Gender and Development Studies in promoting gender equality in society.
The concluding session on August 8, 2023, was chaired by Professor Dr. A.S.M. Maksud Kamal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic). The Honourable Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni was the chief guest and congratulated everyone on the 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa. She praised the Centre for its efforts in promoting women's rights and gender equality in Bangladesh.
Distinguished Professor Dr. Chandra Talpade Mohanty from Syracuse University delivered the keynote speech at the concluding session.