‘Protecting women requires stronger UN support’

Bangladesh’s Adviser for the Ministries of Finance and Planning, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, has called for stronger support and cooperation from UN Women to protect and empower women and girls in the face of growing global challenges, including conflicts, economic instability, energy insecurity and supply chain disruptions.

He made the call during a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda on Wednesday.

Titumir said Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds, placing considerable economic, environmental and security pressures on the country.

He urged UN Women to strengthen its engagement in supporting the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar and to help ensure that, upon their return, women and girls can live in safety and dignity, enjoy their rights, and have access to sustainable livelihood opportunities, according to a message received.

The adviser noted that the multidimensional impacts of the ongoing global crises have significantly constrained Bangladesh’s fiscal space, while stricter lending conditions imposed by international financial institutions have limited access to grants and concessional financing.

He underscored the need for expanded UN Women support to strengthen the protection and empowerment of women and girls and reinforce inclusive social protection programmes.

Highlighting the Bangladesh government’s women-centred development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Titumir outlined key initiatives, including the Family Card issued in the name of the female head of household, free education for girls up to the postgraduate level, expanded reproductive and mental health services and the planned universal life-cycle-based social protection system.

Gumbonzvanda commended Bangladesh’s progress in advancing gender equality and described the Family Card initiative as an innovative women-centred social protection programme.

Recalling her visit to Cox’s Bazar, she praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment and reaffirmed UN Women’s continued partnership in promoting gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, social protection, the Women, Peace and Security agenda and efforts to address the Rohingya crisis.