BANGLADESH is a developing country where half of the total population are women whose socio-economic condition leaves a lot to be desired. In other words, half of the population is not being able to contribute to their family's economic development. Here I would like to throw some light on women's leadership to share with our fellow readers. I believe that when women are equipped with proper resources, they have the power to lift their families and the community from poverty.
To create awareness of women's leadership in Bangladesh, realising the need, Ambassador Nasim Firdaus established Bangladesh Alliance for Women Leadership (BDAWL) in 2008. Firdaus' efforts have become a national movement for change in Bangladesh that recognises the need for women to work together in order to claim leadership positions. Its slogan "Participate, Train and Lead" and its motto "Together We Win" became the mantra for Bangladeshi women who aspire to be the new generation leaders.
BDAWL hosts conferences to discuss international practices for enhancing women's participation in political process and decision making roles. In 2010, BDAWL published the first ever directory of Bangladeshi women leaders entitled 'Who's Who: Women Leaders at a Glance' which highlights 100 women leaders in various spheres of society and government. Under Firdaus' leadership, in February of 2011, BDAWL opened its official Leadership Training Academy, which has already trained 200 women from a wide range of professional backgrounds in effective leadership skills, decision making and conflict resolution. Along with others, Firdaus launched the Women's Democracy Network (WDN) in September 2011. She has proved to be an effective leader by focusing on assisting marginalised women in Bangladesh.
Women in Bangladesh just need an opportunity to make a difference. More women in leadership positions will increase productivity and help Bangladesh attain the cherished middle-income status.
Rumana Raufun
East West University, Dhaka
