Celebration of International Day of the Girl Child 2019

Published : 12 Nov 2019, 19:40

Jagoroniya Desk

Room to Read Bangladesh celebrated International Day of the Girl Child 2019 with the theme of “GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable” today at Bangladesh Shishu Academy.

The Hon’ble Deputy Minister Mr. Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury, MP, Ministry of Education, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was graced the event as Chief Guest Along with him, Professor Dr. Syed Md. Golam Faruk, Director General, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Bangladesh, Ms. Lucky Enam, Chairman, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Ms. Nazmun Nahar, the first woman to travel to 135 countries across the world with flag of Bangladesh, Popular Actor Ms. Bannaya Mirza were present as Special Guests. The event was presided over by Ms. Rakhi Sarkar, Country Director, Room to Read Bangladesh.

In welcome speech Ms. Rakhi Sarkar said, Room to Read has supported more than 5000 girls in the past 10 years in Bangladesh. Around 750 girls have completed secondary education and are in tertiary education. We have stopped around 400 child marriage with the support from local government and other stakeholders. In the higher secondary exams, the success rate for Room to Read girls was 93.77%, which is higher than the national pass rate (66.64%).

The Chief Guest Hon’ble Deputy Minister Mr. Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury, MP said, Today we are celebrating International Day of the Girl Child. I so agree with the theme – ‘GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable’ and welcome all to this celebration. I think this is our responsibility to remove gender barriers. Unfortunately, today people assign gendered identities to professions. We should not limit girls’ thinking. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the example for women and girls when it comes to leadership and more.”

The Special Guest Professor Dr. Syed Md. Golam Faruk said that to strengthening the creativity of student Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary, GoB is running 06 projects besides the academic curriculum in schools and from next year the projects will be extended. Apart from the education the girl child needs to be given proper nutrition.

The Special Guest Ms. Lucky Enam focused on stopping child marriage and dowry system. He called all stakeholders to work together.

The first woman to travel to 135 countries across the world with flag of Bangladesh Ms. Nazmun Nahar inspired the girl child by sharing her stories across the globe. She motivated children how to see dream, how to overcome barriers and think beyond.

Popular Actor Ms. Bannaya Mirza emphasized the roles of family and parents for promoting child education along with role of state and schools. Not educating girls would mean pushing back human development. Investing in youth and women leadership is essential for sustainable development, it is essential for the upliftment of the society. Investing in girls is important for the society as well as their
homes.

Room to Read is an International NGO working in 16 countries across the globe including Bangladesh. Currently, under Girls’ Education Program with the approval from Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary (DSHE) we are supporting directly with more than 5000 girls 32 secondary schools in Dhaka, Natore and Sirajganj. In Dhaka, Room to Read Bangladesh is working with 13 secondary schools and supporting approximately 1700 girls.

  • Latest
  • Most viewed