Involve women in addressing climate change issues

Speakers tell roundtable

1 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called for involving women in all programmes to address climate change issues in order to ensure women's health and well-being and food security for them. Women and children are the worst victims of climate change. So, all the development programmes should address their issues properly, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said as the chief guest. The US embassy and the USAID organised the roundtable on 'The role of women in climate change, health and food security' at a city hotel. Shirin Sharmin said women are more vulnerable to climate change as they don't have proper access to resources. She also called on all to work together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, which are dedicated to reducing poverty and maternal mortality. US Ambassador James F Moriarty said that Bangladesh's women have transformed this nation's economy and increased its prosperity through their contribution. Human rights, civil rights and political rights remain elusive for many women in the country, he said. Women will and should play a fundamental role in finding solutions to the challenges of climate change, health and food security, he added. The United States is poised to expand its partnership with Bangladesh in the areas of climate change, health and food security, he said. At the programme, Advocate Salma Ali of Bangladesh Women Lawyers' Association was honoured as an 'International Woman of Courage' for her efforts to protect the rights of poor and marginalised women, especially those who have been victims of trafficking. The US envoy handed over a certificate to Salma Ali. Heather Variava, senior economic officer of US embassy, moderated the discussion while Dennis Sharma, acting USAID Mission Director, gave a vote of thanks.