Launching of the ‘Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership’ project in Bangladesh

News desk
shottobani

Dhaka: Today in Dhaka, during ManusherJonno Foundation’s launch event of the “Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership in Bangladesh” project, the High Commissionof Canada in Bangladesh highlightedCanada’s commitment of $9.7M (CAD) in funding for the project, announced earlier on March 8, 2025, marking International Women’s Day. Building on the success of the first Women’s Voice and Leadership project,this new initiativeseeks to expand its reach strengtheningeven more women’s rights organizations, bolsteringthe role of organizations led by women and marginalized minority communities into the national conversation at this critical time.

H.E. Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canadatook this opportunity to emphasize how “Canada proudly supports this initiative as a key component of our commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women and girls and building a more inclusive society in Bangladesh.”

While the initiative launch was taking place, Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of ManusherJonno Foundation, in her welcoming speech,expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for renewing “Women’s Voice and Leadership in Bangladesh”. She underscoredthat gender equality is not only a women’s issue but a path towards ensuring human rights, justice and inclusive development. To achieve this, all stakeholders must work together in cooperation and solidarity.

While addressing as the chief guest, the Adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Sharmeen S. Murshid said, “We need to support the grassroot-level organizations to empower women, the way ManusherJonno Foundation MJF does, and we should have a policy where both government and non-government organizations coordinate together to achieve national priorities.”

The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh and ManusherJonno Foundation (MJF) were joined by representatives from more than 50 organizations, including women’s rights organizations, women’s networks, and marginalized minority communities,attended the project inauguration, organized by ManusherJonnoFoundation.