Young women’s leadership essential to build inclusive BD: Dr Zubaida

Vice-President of  Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman on Sunday applauded the achievements of the young adolescent girls and young women and stressed the importance of nurturing future women leaders.
“When young women are empowered to lead, they strengthen not only their communities but the future of our nation. Their voices, ideas and leadership are essential to building a more inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at a programme.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN Women and UNOPS Bangladesh, jointly celebrated the leadership, resilience and aspirations of the next generation of women leaders through “She Leads Tomorrow,” the National Dissemination Event of the project “Enhancing Women’s Political Leadership through SDG 5 and SDG 16 Localisation in Bangladesh,” held at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka.

Supported by the Joint SDG Fund, the initiative has empowered more than 1,000 adolescent girls and young women to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

The event brought together senior government officials, Members of Parliament, diplomats, United Nations representatives, development partners, civil society leaders, academics, media personalities and young women leaders to celebrate the project’s achievements and discuss the future of women’s political leadership and inclusive governance in Bangladesh.

State Minister of Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki attended the event as special guest, while Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), Prime Minister’s Office, Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul-Awal joined as the guest of honour.

Saki emphasised the importance of women’s participation in achieving Bangladesh’s development goals.

“Women’s meaningful participation is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Empowering young women to lead today means building stronger institutions and a more inclusive Bangladesh for tomorrow,” he said.

Prof Abdul-Awal highlighted the importance of translating the SDGs into action at the local level.

“SDG localisation is about turning national commitments into meaningful action in communities. Young women must be active partners in that journey, shaping the decisions and solutions that will define Bangladesh’s future,” he said.�"UNB