Sohanur Rahman ::
The movement for women’s protection and dignity is intrinsically linked to the movement for environmental conservation. Speakers at a recent stakeholder dialogue emphasized the crucial role of engaging men and boys in gender-transformative environmental stewardship. The event, held Wednesday morning in the Barishal city under the Eco-Men project by YouthNet Global in collaboration with the Bangladesh Environment and Development Society and MÄN, a Swedish feminist civil society organization, brought together key government and civil society representatives to address these vital issues.
“Men need to be more involved in women’s empowerment and environmental stewardship,” stated Mehrun Nahar Munni, Deputy Director of Barisal District Women Affairs Directorate. She highlighted the Directorate’s various training and awareness-raising activities aimed at women’s empowerment and environmental development.
Md. Shamim Chowdhury, Deputy Director of Youth Development Directorate, noted that their department provides environment-friendly self-employment training, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices among the youth.
Moure Akter Tumpa, project manager of the Eco-Men project, stressed the need for societal tolerance towards women. “Harmful societal norms prevent men from being tolerant towards women. We all need to overcome these barriers,” she urged.
Ashikur Rahman Nirob, district coordinator of the Eco-Men project, called for increased public awareness campaigns on environmental protection. “Developing countries like ours are facing various climate change-related disasters. If we do not act now, we will face even greater challenges,” he warned.
Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Barisal Metropolitan Press Club, emphasized the importance of changing societal mindsets to prevent the decline of social values.
The dialogue also featured contributions from Professor Shah-Sajeda, a renowned educationist and women’s rights activist, Anjuman Nesa, Assistant Director of the Divisional Environment Directorate, Mahtab Hossain Suruj, Chairman of Charbaria Union Parishad, Kazi Jahangir Kabir, Executive Director of Saint Bangladesh, and young climate activists. The event concluded with a call to action for collaborative efforts in promoting gender transformation and environmental protection in Barisal and beyond.
