Dhaka, Aug 22 (V7N)- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid has said psychological and policy-level changes within political parties are necessary to increase women's participation in leadership.
She said equal participation of women in leadership positions cannot be ensured without bringing fundamental changes within political parties.
The state minister made the remarks at a dialogue titled “Strengthening Young Women's Political Leadership and Restoring the Democratic Space” held in Siddheshwari in the capital on Saturday.
Shama Obaid said that although Bangladesh has had a woman prime minister for a long period, women have not achieved meaningful empowerment in political leadership.
She pointed to women's representation at the union and upazila levels, saying their participation in leadership positions at these levels remains extremely low. Had more women received party nominations at the grassroots level, more of them could have eventually reached parliament, she said.
The state minister also said that even when a woman is among three candidates considered for a parliamentary seat, she is often not given the opportunity to advance.
She urged women to continue moving forward despite the obstacles they face at different levels of political and social life.
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