Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ProGRESS Project of ILO, Country Office for Bangladesh, organized a daylong “Awareness Raising Session on Gender Friendly Environment at Workplace” on 18th September 2024 at Conference Hall, WARISAN, Shaheb Bazar, Zero Point, Rajshahi. The objective of the session was to build awareness of both the employers and employees in the areas of gender equity, gender equality, gender demand, gender role and gender-based violence (GBV). In the session, it was sought to sensitize employers about gender benefits of providing skilled job opportunities for women, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment for harassment free workplace in order to increase productivity. The session also emphasized on the role of employers on gender issues in light of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.

Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman, Head of Training, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) acted as resource person. He welcomed the participants to the session and shared the objectives and expected outcomes of the same.

Mr. Shakendar Ali, General Secretary, Rajshahi Babosayi Somonnoi Parishad, chaired the inaugural session. The special guests present were Ms. Ummehaj Siddika, Director, Rajshahi Women Chamber, Ms. Anjuman Ara Lily, President, WEAB, Rajshahi. A total of 28 participants (Female-10, Male-18) including employers and employees from different industry sectors, i. e., Tourism, Care, Agro and ICT attended the event.