They said the women were not only the victims of the war crimes, they took up arms, served the society during that time and gave shelter to the freedom fighters.

Being imbued with the spirit of the liberation war, women have now become more courageous and are advancing on the way to their empowerment and development, they added.

It is time to review the women's contribution to the liberation war and their empowerment, the speakers said at a discussion organised by the Liberation War Museum on its premises as part of its month-long programme on 'Liberation War and Women'.

Since 1947, women have been playing a vital role in all the movements, including the liberation struggle, with a strong commitment, said Advocate Sultana Kamal in her keynote paper on 'The impact of the liberation war on the struggle for women's empowerment'.

"Even the constitution did not set out the issue of women empowerment. It only provides for equality in public life," she said. Yet, empowerment and development of women are taking place in the country, she added.

She called for elimination of all factors which restricts freedom, saying that the women took part in the liberation war for enjoying democracy, human rights and all kinds of freedom needed for their advancement.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ayesha Khanam said the women in the country are advancing despite various impediments such as fundamentalism and political hindrances, as the social and cultural aspects of the liberation war have influenced the women positively.

"Our social consciousness has come from the spirit of the liberation war and women's contribution to the war was no less than the contribution of male freedom fighters," said Shaheen Anam, team leader of Manusher Jonno.

Despite enormous obstacles, women have moved ahead and will make further progress keeping their own identity intact, she added.

Ferdous Azim of Naripakkho, Dr Hamida Hossain, Farida Akhter of Ubinig, Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, Rokeya Kabir of Nari Pragati Shangha, cultural activist and trustee of the Liberation War Museum Sara Zaker and Member Secretary Dr Sarwar Ali were also present.