The workshop titled 'Gender budgeting: A framework for women's empowerment and social accountability' was organised by Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS) at the Chhayanaut Bhaban in the city.

A total of 30 representatives from different government and non-government organisations including Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Steps Towards Development, Women for Women, Oxfam, Karmojibi Nari, Care Bangladesh, Prip Trust, Karitas, Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra, Directorate of Women Affairs and BNPS took part in the four-day workshop.

The workshop was organised to create awareness and sensitise women's rights activists on gender budgeting concept and its importance for women's empowerment.

Addressing the session as chief guest former adviser to caretaker government Dr Akbar Ali Khan said all citizens are entitled to enjoy justice but women in Bangladesh cannot enjoy justice due to some patriarchal mechanisms.

Criticising the establishment of a separate ministry for women he said, "All the problems of women are kept inside a Hijab (ghomta)."

He suggested that their problems should be solved mainstreaming them through different ministries.

Dr Akbar mentioned that budget allocation for women is very important as the solution of their problems depends on the quantity of fund allocated for them.

"The success of enacting a budget lies in its ability to resolve women's problem," he observed.

Presiding over the function BNPS Executive Director Rokeya Kabir said the 'invisible' and 'unpaid' labour of women should be evaluated and reflected in the budget.

She said a gender-sensitive budget would also pave the way for strengthening democracy.

BNPS Executive Committee Treasurer Shivani Das also spoke on the occasion.