Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the nation’s founding leader and its first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has led the country consolidating her legacy deeply rooted in the struggle for independence and economic progress.
Her leadership is marked by a commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and children, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's trajectory toward prosperity.
The present government under Sheikh Hasina's guidance has embarked on various initiatives aimed at ensuring the holistic development of women and children in Bangladesh. Through comprehensive policies and programs, her administration has prioritized education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Central to Hasina's vision are the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2041, which aim to propel Bangladesh towards becoming a high-income country. Integral to these visions is the recognition of women's empowerment as a catalyst for national development. Women's engagement in political and economic activities is considered not only a fundamental right but also a strategic imperative for driving transformative change.
Addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, Hasina reiterated her unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment on a global scale. She emphasized the need to enhance partnerships across sectors to mainstream gender equality and called upon the private sector to play a more proactive role in advancing women's participation at all levels.
"We must enhance our partnership base to make gender equality a norm across all sectors. The private sector needs to come forward to advance women's participation at a higher level. As leaders, we need to engage with them and encourage them to take bold initiatives in that regard," she affirmed.
Hasina's leadership underscores the importance of solidarity among women leaders worldwide in championing gender equality and women's rights. While acknowledging the diversity among nations, she emphasized the universal commitment to achieving a gender-equal world, stressing that no country should backtrack on its pledge to promote women's empowerment.
"As women leaders, we have a responsibility to stand by all women and create examples that can guide others. We must leverage our position and power to achieve a gender-equal world," she stressed.
In Bangladesh, Hasina's government translated these principles into concrete action through the implementation of progressive policies and targeted interventions. Measures such as increased access to education for girls, healthcare services for women and children, and economic opportunities through microfinance and entrepreneurship programs have contributed to tangible improvements in the lives of millions.
Hasina's administration has actively promoted women's participation in decision-making processes at all levels of governance, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions valued in shaping policies and programs that affect their lives.
