MM Rahmatullah: A multi-stakeholder consultation and implementation review workshop on Bangladesh`s National Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS) was held in Dhaka on Sunday jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Women. Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen was present as the Chief Guest and Ms. Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative of UN Women was present as the special guest. Representatives of various ministries, foreign diplomatic missions, civil society organizations and grassroots women`s organizations were present at the moment.

In his remarks, Foreign Secretary mentioned that Bangladesh has long been dedicated to the cause of women empowerment and women`s meaningful participation in peace and security process. He also highlighted Bangladesh`s leadership in women empowerment and active engagement of women in community development initiatives. He invited the participants at the workshop to focus their discussions on women`s effective role in addressing challenges like violent extremism, child marriage and social mobilization to enhance communal harmony.

Other speakers also emphasized on the importance of equal role of women in decision making process for effective implementation of the WPS agenda. The objective was meant to enhance understanding on the Women, Peace and Security agenda among all stakeholders and to ensure effective collaboration to take forward the agenda by sensitizing those who work at the grassroots level for effective implementation of it. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha made presentations on their actions and initiatives on WPS agenda. The workshop participants engaged in a tabletop exercise and reviewed the implementation of National Action Plan, effective till 2025, challenges and ways to overcome them.