Pirganj (Thakurgaon) Correspondent:

A procession, discussion meeting and award ceremony have been organized in Pirganj Upazila of Thakurgaon on the occasion of International Women's Day. The theme of this year's International Women's Day was. "Today's steps, tomorrow's justice, protect the rights of women and girls." This program was held at the Upazila Parishad Auditorium on Sunday morning, a joint initiative of the local administration and various development organizations surrounding the day.

The day was celebrated at the initiative of the Upazila Women's Affairs Office and in collaboration with non-governmental development organizations World Vision, Good Neighbors Bangladesh, ESDO's Thrive Project and CDA. To highlight the importance of women's rights, equality and empowerment, a colorful procession started from the Upazila Parishad premises in the morning, circled various roads and ended at the auditorium. Women from different classes and professions, students, development workers and local dignitaries participated in the procession.

Later, a discussion meeting was held at the Upazila Parishad Auditorium. The meeting was chaired by the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer of Pirganj Upazila. In the discussion, the speakers emphasized the significance of International Women's Day, the establishment of women's rights, and the role of women in social development.

Assistant Upazila Secondary Education Officer Arifullah Arif spoke as the main speaker at the meeting. He said that equal participation of women and men is essential for the sustainable development of a country. If active participation of women in every field of education, health, economy, and leadership is ensured, the society will be more just and prosperous.

Former Upazila Chairman of Pirganj Upazila Ziaul Islam Zia said in his speech that women's empowerment is no longer a luxury, it is the demand of the time. Family, society, and the state must work together to stop discrimination, violence, and oppression against women in society. He said that it is very important to raise awareness to protect women's rights and ensure proper implementation of the law.

President of Pirganj Press Club Joynal Abedin Babul said that the issue of women's development and establishment of rights cannot be limited to just one day. The media, administration, and civil society must work together to increase women's safety, education, and employment opportunities. She further said, if women move forward, then society and the state will also move forward.

Various government officials, representatives of development organizations, teachers, students and local women leaders were also present at the discussion meeting. The speakers emphasized on preventing violence against women, ensuring education of girls and developing women's leadership.

In the second part of the program, a public signature program was held under the banner of Good Neighbors Bangladesh, a non-governmental development organization, demanding women's rights, equality and empowerment. In this, the female and male participants present signed and pledged to protect the rights of women and girls.

In addition, some women were awarded the "Sahsika Sammanna" crest for their special contribution to the development of women's leadership in society and the development of women and girls. The women who received the honor have been playing a role in women's education, awareness and social development activities in their respective areas for a long time.

Participants at the event expressed hope that this celebration of International Women's Day will create new awareness for the rights and dignity of women and pave the way for more female leadership and empowerment in the future.