Recognise contribution of female farmers: NGOs
Speakers at a conference yesterday demanded social and state recognition of the contribution of females in all stages of food cultivation.
Around half of the country's population is female and they are directly and indirectly involved in farming. But they are yet to be recognised by the state and society, they said.
The first national female farmers' conference was organised by ActionAid Bangladesh in the capital's Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium marking World Food Day 2012, to be observed in over 150 countries today.
Addressing the conference, lawmaker Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture ministry, said the relation between females and farming has existed in the country for a long time.
He urged the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to recognise the contribution of females in the agriculture sector to encourage them to work with efficiency.
Kendrio Krishok Moitree Coordinator Sultana Mily, reading out a written speech, said female farmers should be recognised to uphold the constitutional rights of women.
UBINIG (Policy Research for Development Alternatives) Executive Director Farida Akhtar urged the government to expand representatives of female farmers in parliament to ensure their rights.
Representatives of female farmers from different parts of the country participated in the conference, chaired by ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir.
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