The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Expressing solidarity with this year's theme-'Investing in Women and Girls'-right groups and sociopolitical organizations yesterday observed the International Women's Day in the country with elaborate programmes.

Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), in observance of the day, organized a discussion programme where representatives of different political, social, cultural and human-right organizations stressed the need for a national convention for protecting the rights of working women in the country.

The BILS presentation at the discussion highlighted the necessity of such a convention, as the labour Law 2006 does not cover 80 percent of women in the workforce. It pointed out that more than 90 percent of nearly half a million women who join every year in the workforce are not getting coverage of the labour law.

Marking the day, Mass Communication Department of the government outfitted elaborate campaign across the country through its 68 information offices. Besides, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) also conducted mobile campaign in Dhaka Metropolitan City.

Meanwhile, International Women's Day Celebration Committee organized a discussion and cultural programme at Dhanmondi Club at 3:30pm.

South Asia Partnership Bangladesh and Padakshep Manabik Unnayan Kendra jointly brought out a colorful procession from the Shishu Academy at 9am.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Orenda Communication, Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and Bangladesh International Film Movement jointly held 'Personality Award and Film Festival 2008' at the Shilpakala Academy at 4pm.

CARE Bangladesh along with Social Action Committee, facilitated by Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, organized a gathering at the Shaheed Minar at 3PM, where a declaration paper was presented.

Women and Gender Studies Department of Dhaka University observed the day amid colorful procession, poster exhibition and discussion.