Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), the global network for protection of environment, greets all on the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day. On this day, we celebrate the contribution that women make to the society. Poet Nazrul Islam of Bangladesh, very succinctly expressed the extent of this contribution. He pointed out that credit for human achievements needs to be equally divided between men and women.
Unfotunately, this is not always recognized. Women were deprived of franchise even in developed countries, such as England and the USA, until 1920s. Even to this day, in many developed countries, women receive less pay than their male counterparts for the same work. The situation is worse in many developing countries.
March 8 goes back to the movement waged by the female garments workers in New York City. Later the Socialist International recognized this day to be celebrated as the International Women’s Day. Since then much progress has been made, but much more remains to be achieved,
Women have a critical role in safeguarding the environment both outside and inside the home. BEN is pleased to see significant participation of women in its own work and in the environment movement in Bangladesh and worldwide. It hopes that this participation will increase in the coming days. In particular, it looks forward to greater participation by the second generation young women in the work of BEN.
BEN wishes all a joyous celebration of the day!
