A call has been made for coordinated and inclusive initiatives to protect the rights of Dalit women and adolescent girls, reduce social discrimination, and ensure equal access to education, healthcare and basic services.
The Annual Dalit Women’s Conference 2026 is being held on Saturday (September 26) at the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) on Mirpur Road in Dhaka. The day-long conference brings together representatives of government and non-government organisations, civil society groups, researchers, activists and members of Dalit communities to discuss the challenges faced by Dalit women and girls and identify ways to strengthen their participation in society.
The conference began at 10am with registration and a tea session. The opening programme included the national anthem, lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the formal seating of guests. A musical performance was also arranged as part of the opening session.
One of the key discussions at the conference focused on “The Vulnerability of Dalit Women and the Way Forward for Their Progress.” Tamanna Singh Baraik, a project officer of the Dalit Women’s Forum, delivered the keynote presentation on the issue. The welcome address was delivered by Moni Rani, general secretary of the Dalit Women’s Forum.
Speakers at the conference highlighted the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of Dalit women and girls and ensuring their meaningful participation in social and economic activities. They stressed that discrimination against marginalised communities cannot be addressed through isolated initiatives alone. Cooperation among government agencies, development organisations, civil society and community-based groups is necessary to create sustainable opportunities.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of education, healthcare, employment and social protection for Dalit women and girls. Participants emphasised that equal access to basic services and opportunities can play an important role in reducing social and economic exclusion.
Among the special guests attending the conference are M.M. Mahmudullah, Additional Director of the Department of Social Services; Ashrafun Nahar Mishti, Executive Director of DORINWJGA; Shahriar Sadat, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University; writer and researcher Altaf Parvez; and Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive of Nagarik Uddyog.
The conference also features a session highlighting the rights of Dalit communities and the importance of social inclusion. Gagan Lal, president of the BDSRM Dhaka District Committee, and Dipti Rajbongshi, president of the Dalit Women’s Forum, are scheduled to speak during the programme.
A discussion session has been arranged to address broader issues affecting women, children and marginalised communities. Representatives of organisations working with Dalit, Harijan and other disadvantaged communities are expected to participate in the discussion. Issues relating to women’s and children’s rights, disability, social exclusion and community development are among the subjects included in the programme.
The conference’s main guest is Mahbuba Habiba, MP, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. Her address focuses on issues concerning the rights, development and social participation of Dalit women and girls.
The conference is being chaired by Professor Dr. Mehnaz Ghuhathakurta, Chairperson of Nagarik Uddyog. The programme also includes cultural performances featuring music and dance.
Nadira Parvin, Programme Manager of Nagarik Uddyog, is conducting the event.
The Annual Dalit Women’s Conference 2026 provides a platform for Dalit women, community representatives, rights activists and development professionals to exchange views on discrimination, social inclusion and empowerment. The discussions seek to draw attention to the barriers faced by Dalit women and girls while encouraging greater institutional and community-level cooperation.
The conference also places emphasis on the need to strengthen the voices of Dalit women in decision-making and development processes. Participants have called for continued efforts to ensure that women and girls from marginalised communities are not excluded from opportunities in education, employment, healthcare and public life.
For Dalit women and adolescent girls, access to basic services is closely connected with their ability to participate fully in society. Ensuring equal opportunities therefore requires not only policy measures but also greater awareness, community engagement and effective implementation of existing initiatives.
The organisers hope that discussions at the conference will contribute to strengthening advocacy for the rights of Dalit women and girls and encourage stakeholders to work together towards a more inclusive society.
The day-long programme concludes with cultural performances and a closing session. A lunch arrangement has also been made for participants.
The conference ultimately seeks to keep the rights, dignity, participation and empowerment of Dalit women and girls at the centre of discussions on social justice and inclusion in Bangladesh.
Thanks for reading
-.jpg)
0 Comments