Women have to help themselves too for progress

Women themselves have to fight for achieving success and they must not rely on others to set the stage for them, said Prof Nazma Begum, the first ever female chairman in the 94-year-long history of Dhaka University's economics department.

"All my life, I have followed this motto which has brought me this far. I always believed that I will have to help myself and nobody will do it for me," Prof Nazma shared.

Dr Nazma on March 5 took the charge of Dhaka University's one of the most reputed departments that was founded in 1921.

Talking to The Daily Star, Nazma said, "We have already noticed significant progresses in women's empowerment in the country. But there is still a long way to go and for that women have to fend for themselves."

In case of any defeat, women should not give up rather they should make more efforts for something better waiting on their ways, she added.

According to the findings of her research conducted about four years ago on working environment of women in the garment sector,  Nazma said most of the garment owners are reluctant to create an environment conducive for female workers and the issue should be addressed as soon as possible.

Nazma joined the economics department as a lecturer in 1986.