Bangladesh: Dhaka Credit celebrates International Women's Day with a grand event

The Christian Cooperative Credit Union Ltd., Dhaka, in collaboration with the Women's Affairs Sub-Committee, jointly organized International Women's Day at Dhaka Credit, Bangladesh, on March 8.

The theme for this year's celebration was "Rights, Equality, Empowerment, and the Development of Women and Girls," aiming to highlight the ongoing struggles and successes in advancing gender equality.

More than 1,200 men and women gathered for the occasion, which featured a discussion panel honoring the contributions of five exceptional women.

The event took place under the leadership of Dhaka Credit’s Vice President, Devi Areng, who is also the convener of the Women's Affairs Sub-Committee.

Amrita Regina Rozario, Country Director of Sight Savers, graced the event as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Sister Teresa Puspo Gomes CSC, Area Coordinator of the Holy Cross Sisters, honored as a guest of honor, and Father Jayant S. Gomes, Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church.

Prominent figures also included Dhaka Credit’s President, Ignatius Hemant Corraya; Nirmal Rozario, one of the presidents of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad; Pankaj Gilbert Costa, Chairman of The Central Association of Christian Cooperatives (CACCO) Ltd.; Augustin Gomes, Chairman of The Metropolitan Christian Cooperative Housing Society Ltd.; and Marcia Millie Gomes, President of the Bangladesh National YMCA, among others.

In her welcome speech, Devi Areng emphasized the importance of moving beyond symbolic gestures and addressing the real issues of gender inequality in Bangladesh.

"If we think about the relevant issues of Bangladesh, we see that we are still lagging in terms of equal rights for women and girls compared to other countries. No matter how many Women's Days we organize, it will be in vain if we don’t advance women everywhere, including at home and work," she said.

Areng also highlighted the necessity for men and women to progress together with equal opportunities, noting that this would foster a more developed and beautiful society.

Sister Teresa Puspo Gomes, CSC, also a prominent speaker at the event, echoed the importance of empowering women.

"The essence of Women's Day is to move women forward and align with women’s empowerment. I applaud Dhaka Credit for its tremendous contribution toward women’s empowerment," Gomes remarked.

Sister spoke passionately about her work in the education and development of girls, urging for unity between men and women to move forward together.

President Ignatius Hemant Corraya stressed the need for women’s safety and equal opportunities.

"Women are not very safe in Bangladesh. If you look at the media, you can see that women are facing an unsafe environment. We need to focus on the development of women and girls," he said.

Corraya further emphasized that the protection of women should start at home, where women and girls should play an active role in advancing their families.

Dhaka Credit, he noted, has taken proactive steps by implementing women-friendly initiatives such as hostels, parlors, gyms, and nursing institutes. "Dhaka Credit has created secure employment opportunities for women," Corraya said.

Five remarkable women received recognition for their outstanding contributions to society during the event. The awardees included Muriel Rozario. She has been recognized for her special contribution to education and culture.

Florence Gomes was awarded for her special contributions to education.

Sukhli Kubi, Madhavi Gomes, and Martha Gomes received recognition for their contributions as female entrepreneurs.

Additionally, five women who are currently leading Dhaka Credit, including Vice-President Devi Areng, Board of Directors Monica Gomes and Stella Hazra, Credit Committee Chairman Uma Magdeline Gomes, and Supervisory Committee member Maria D'Kuna, were specially congratulated for their leadership and contributions to the institution.

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also serves as a reminder of the need to continue working toward achieving gender parity.

The event at Dhaka Credit was a powerful demonstration of this commitment, as the community came together to celebrate the tenacity, leadership, and accomplishments of women and girls worldwide.

In a final message, the speakers wished for a brighter, more equitable future for all women, urging the collective efforts of both men and women to achieve true gender equality and progress.