The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Australia has donated Taka 4.58 lakh to a non-government organization as assistance to its project of empowering women by increasing their contributions to the welfare of their families and communities as well.

The assistance was given to Access toward Livelihood and Welfare Organisation (ALWO) as part of the High Commission's Direct Aid Programme (DAP) on the occasion of International Women's Day, said a release issued here on Friday.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Douglas Foskett handed over a cheque to ALWO's Executive Director Ms Shamima Neela, said the release. Foskett said, Australia was pleased to support the project as it was specifically aimed at helping destitute women in Bangladesh.

ALWO will provide dress making and hand embroidery training to eighty women from the project area, completion of which will enable the participants to start their own businesses to support their families, he added.

The DAP fund will be used to provide each of the participants a sewing machine and Block designs as their initial capital. They will also receive a certificate from ALWO after successful completion of the training.

Fosket said, Australia placed high priority on protecting and promoting the rights of women and commended the ALWO Executive Director Ms Shamima Neela for her organisation's efforts in this regard.

Australia has been ranked second in the world for its gender related development and eighth for its gender empowerment measure by the 2007 /2008 United Nations Human Development Report.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner Ms Kilmeny Beckering Vinckers and Senior Political and Economic Officer Ms S Farhana Rahman were present during the ceremony.