A day-long Women Empowerment Conference was held for the first time in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on 27 December, marking a distinctive initiative aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and participation in society. The conference was held at the Upazila Auditorium and organized by the Youth Organization for Social Development (YOSD).
Representatives from nearly 30 social, humanitarian, youth development, and volunteer organizations from across the district participated in the event.
The conference began with recitations from holy scriptures, followed by the national anthem. Several interactive sessions were then held, focusing on women’s empowerment, leadership development, and enhancing women’s effective participation in social and civic life.
Mohammad Mohi Uddin, Chairman of CHRDF, attended the event as the chief guest. At the same time, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Director of Ukhiya International School, and Kaiser Hamid, Chief Executive of YASID, were present as special guests, among others.
The conference also featured engaging cultural segments, including dance, music, and poetry recitals, that portrayed women’s strength, struggles, and potential. The organization warmly welcomed newly inducted members with flowers, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing women’s leadership.
In the main discussion session, speakers highlighted the underlying reasons behind women’s lag in social participation, skills development, and leadership. A significant panel discussion involving women organizers examined why women continue to face challenges in accessing education, employment, decision-making roles, and leadership positions.
The discussions also addressed social and family barriers, as well as awareness on cyberbullying and digital violence, emphasizing how women can move forward with dignity, confidence, and security in the digital age.
Speakers stressed that building a just and humane society requires collective efforts based on gender equality, rather than reinforcing patriarchal barriers. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring women’s rights and dignity from an Islamic perspective, noting that Islam does not oppose women’s progress but instead supports empowerment through proper values and interpretation.
Female members of the Youth Organization for Social Development planned, managed, and implemented the entire conference. Organizers described the initiative as a bold and transformative step toward enhancing women’s leadership and capacity-building. The Ukhiya Upazila Children and Youth Forum provided overall support in organizing the event.
Participants expressed optimism that the conference would open a new chapter in the women’s empowerment movement in Cox’s Bazar and inspire larger-scale initiatives in the future.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
