Govt. Forms Women’s Affairs Reform Commission: Share-Net Bangladesh Celebrates Dr. Halida Akhter’s Appointment
The government’s establishment of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission is a significant step toward addressing such challenges. The commission, led by Shireen Parveen Haque, a founding member of Nari Paksha, aims to enhance women’s participation and empowerment at all levels of society.
This initiative reflects the government’s growing commitment to tackling gender inequality and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh. Among its distinguished members is Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter, a noted women’s health expert and chairperson of the Steering Committee of Share-Net Bangladesh, whose contributions to SRHR and women’s empowerment have earned widespread recognition.
The commission has a critical mandate: to propose reforms strengthening women’s roles in decision-making, legal frameworks for gender equality, and access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. It includes a diverse group of experts from law, health, and grassroots activism, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fostering gender-inclusive reforms.
A Step Forward for Women’s Health and Rights
The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission comes at a crucial time when SRHR issues in Bangladesh remain at the forefront of public health discussions. With low contraceptive prevalence rates in rural areas and high rates of maternal mortality, addressing gaps in reproductive health services is more critical than ever.
Experts believe the commission’s work could significantly impact SRHR policies, particularly in areas like comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), access to contraceptives, and legal protections against gender-based violence.
The commission includes prominent figures from diverse sectors, reflecting a wide range of expertise – Maheen Sultan, senior fellow, Brac Institute of Governance and Development; Sara Hossain, executive director, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (Blast); Fawzia Karim Firoze, president, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association; Kalpona Akter, president, Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation; Sumaiya Islam, executive director, Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra; Nirupa Dewan, former member, National Human Rights Commission; Ferdousi Sultana, former senior social development advisor, Asian Development Bank; and Nishita Zaman Niha, student representative.
Share-Net Bangladesh Celebrates Dr. Halida Akhter’s Appointment
Share-Net Bangladesh, an organization championing sexual health and reproductive rights, expressed pride in Dr. Halida Akhter’s inclusion.
Dr. Halida’s contributions to SRHR in Bangladesh are unparalleled. With a career spanning decades, she has prioritized women’s access to quality healthcare, focusing on maternal health and addressing barriers to reproductive rights. From her early work in Rangpur to her role as a health policy advocate, Dr. Halida has consistently championed comprehensive, rights-based approaches to women’s health.
Her recognition with the Begum Rokeya Padak, which honors individuals for their contributions to women’s empowerment, underscores her pivotal role in transforming the healthcare landscape in Bangladesh. At the recent award ceremony, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lauded Dr. Halida’s initiatives, stating that her efforts have “broken barriers and set benchmarks for others to follow.”
Hoping for an Equitable Future
The inclusion of leaders like Dr. Halida Akhter adds credibility and expertise to the commission’s mission. Share-Net Bangladesh has expressed optimism that her presence will ensure SRHR remains a central focus of the commission’s reforms.
As the commission prepares to submit its recommendations, hopes are high that these reforms will drive tangible changes, empowering women and improving access to healthcare and education. For organizations like Share-Net Bangladesh, this moment is an opportunity to strengthen collaborations and amplify the call for gender-inclusive policies that prioritize sexual and reproductive rights.
Source: Dhaka Tribune