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GO4IMPact marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 through a series of key dialogues and recognition of women changemakers across Naogaon and Satkhira. Go4IMPact is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, and implemented by WaterAid and Swisscontact consortium with local partners ESDO and Rupantar working in the Naogaon district at the north of Bangladesh, and Shatkhira district at the south of Bangladesh. The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 campaign brought together Local Government Institutions (LGIs), government line agencies, women’s rights activists, ethnic groups, NGOs, youth forums, women development forums, teachers, journalists, CSOs, and media representatives.
In Naogaon, GO4IMPact partnered with Dhamoirhat and Niamatpur Upazila Administrations to convene more than 200 participants from the diverse sectors. The discussion underscored that gender equality is not a one-day affair, it requires continuous awareness, responsibility, and action. Speakers highlighted the need to address gender-based violence, wage gaps, and women’s underrepresentation in leadership while also celebrating women’s contributions across various sectors.
Participants emphasised that achieving true gender equality starts at home. Juthi Mathanto, a youth forum representative, remarked that women still face significant barriers in society and need unity, opportunity, and recognition as equals in both social and economic spheres. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Dhamoirhat, stated that "Women's rights need action, not just celebration. Equality begins with awareness and responsibility at home.”
Meanwhile, in Satkhira, GO4IMPact, in collaboration with Satkhira Municipality and the District Women’s Affairs Office, organised a dialogue and award ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions of women leaders. The discussion focused on women’s leadership in climate-vulnerable areas, the importance of equal opportunities in education and employment, and the role of women in governance.
A key highlight of the event was the recognition of three indomitable women (Adamya Nari) for their exceptional contributions. The District Women’s Affairs Office, in partnership with GO4IMPact, had earlier invited 33 Joyeeta awardees (an annual government initiative in Bangladesh that recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions in various fields) from seven upazilas in Satkhira to submit case stories reflecting their impact in education, business, social work, and activism. Among them, three women were selected and honoured for their achievements in economic success, education and employment, and overcoming gender-based violence.
Addressing the gathering, Mashruba Ferdous, Deputy Director (Deputy Secretary), Local Government, Satkhira, stressed that ensuring women’s safety is not just an administrative responsibility but must begin with family values. Priyanka Biswas, one of the Adamya Nari awardees, shared her personal journey, explaining how early marriage exposed her to the harsh realities of gender inequality and inspired her to work for vulnerable women. She emphasised that economic empowerment is key to improving women's status in society.