The Asian University of Women (AUW) recently arranged a panel discussion on the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in empowering women.
The discussion was hosted by AUW Women Empowerment Project (AUWEP) recently to mark World NGO Day, which was celebrated on February 27.
It featured a diverse panel consisting of Little Sisters Fund’s co-founder Usha Acharya, ProjectDebi’s founder and managing director Muhammad Abrar and founder of the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) Damchae Dem, according to a statement.
Ms Damchae Dem initiated by saying, “The main challenge we face is in creating tangible markets for our entrepreneurs, most of who are focused on farming activities. Given Bhutan’s hilly topography, it’s difficult to place small processing centres in these areas.”
“The challenges in Nepal centre on the problems stemming from a patriarchal society, especially in the rural areas where girls are considered liabilities; hence educating them isn’t considered important,” shared Ms. Usha Acharya about the situation in Nepal.
Muhammad Abrar, on the other hand, pointed out a conservative mindset in establishing an equal society as the main challenge in Bangladesh.
“I know societal and gender norms exist, but I have acknowledged the lack of privileges that women around me have and I have educated myself accordingly. Education starts at home; educate yourself, unlearn societal and gender norms that are imposed.”
Mr Abrar recommended more responsible role play by the media saying, “I think our mass media has a significant role to play in bringing about a shift in mindset. We need to stop producing content that fuels patriarchy, such as solely showing women in cooking or dishwashing ads. This creates the perception that care work is dedicated solely to women.”