Launch of Gender Champions Network
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The 'Gender Champions Network (GCN)', formed with the initiative of Sajeda Foundation and supported by the Gates Foundation, has officially started its journey. On the occasion, an event titled 'Transforming Workplaces: Driving Equity and Empowering Action' was held at Hotel Sheraton, Banani, Dhaka on May 10.
The results of a study titled 'Gender at Work: A Study of Selected Private Sector Farms in Bangladesh' were presented at the event. The study analyzed the current state of gender equality in various sectors, including manufacturing, health, economics, pharmaceuticals, real estate and leather. The study, based on a mixed-approach and multi-dimensional approach, focuses on six areas.
The results of the study painted a picture of significant disparities. While women's participation in entry-level positions is 22 per cent, it has come down to just 6 per cent at the middle management level. That is, nearly three-quarters of women lose their representation in the first major phase of their careers. In the same case, where a man earns Rs 100, a woman earns Rs 85. At the leadership level, the gap widened to more than 40 percent. In addition, women have relatively few opportunities for technical and leadership development training. Their total workload is much higher due to household responsibilities outside the workplace.
Senior officials, development workers, academics and researchers from the country's leading institutions participated and discussed various ways to make Bangladesh's workplace more inclusive. Rao was also present at the event with a representative of the Gates Foundation.
A panel discussion was organized at the event, which was moderated by Dr. Sajeda Amin, Senior Research Advisor of Sajeda Foundation. Anupama Anand, Senior Officer, South and South East Asia, Gates Foundation, Philanthropic Partnerships; Dr. Melita Mehazabeen, Professor, IBA,University of Dhaka and Chairman, National Bank Plc; Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO & Managing Director, Unilever Bangladesh; Nihad Kabir, Senior Partner, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates; and Zaheda Fizza Kabir, CEO of Sajeda Foundation and Chairperson of Gender Champions Network. During the discussion, they exchanged views on the current state of gender equality in the workplace and highlighted the actionable actions to be taken for sustainable and structural change.
The Gender Champions Network has brought together various stakeholders to advance gender equality in the private sector of Bangladesh. The network will work to drive meaningful, measurable, and lasting change through strategic partnerships, expert advice, workshops, and policy campaigns, creating connections among leading organizations committed to building inclusive work environments. So far, 10 organizations have joined the network as gender champions.