Documents only for the Members of IJSG

The International Jute Study Group (IJSG) organised an “Interactive Workshop: Gender Sensitization in Jute Sector – Bangladesh” in its Conference Room at 145, Monipuripara, Tejgaon (near Farmgate), Dhaka-1215 on Thursday, February 24, 2011.

Mr. Md. Ashraful Moqbul, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Government of Bangladesh inaugurated the day-long Workshop as the Chief Guest. Mr. Bhupendra Singh, the IJSG Secretary General was the Chairperson of the workshop.

Mr. Tariq-ul-Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Women & Children Affairs, Govt. of Bangladesh, Bibi Russel, Founder - Bibi Productions, UNESCO Special Envoy & Artist for Peace and UNAIDS Ambassador were present as Guests of Honour and addressed the inaugural Session.

Chief Guest said “Now time has come to evaluate the work of women in jute sector as they are playing an important role in this sector. He further remarked that “The women’s involvement in the jute sector in Bangladesh is increasing and we need to involve more women in the whole supply chain of jute from general worker to factory owner.

Mr. Bhupendra Singh, IJSG Secretary General said “IJSG is mandated to help empowerment of women involved in the jute sector. No country can progress without carrying along half of its population, women towards the goal of empowerment and development”. He further mentioned “The mill sector should enter into making shopping bags by engaging more women and repeat the success story of RMG sector”.

The Guests of Honour addressing the session appreciated the initiative taken by the IJSG to highlight the women in jute sector.


	Ashraful Moqbul, Secretary, ministry of Textiles and Jute, Govt. of Bangladesh speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the workshop

Dr. Latifa Binte Lutfar, Operations Officer, delivered the opening remarks in the session where Mr. Faruque Hossain, Finance and Administrative Officer, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of IJSG.

The main objective of the Workshop was to assemble women engaged in different capacities in the whole supply chain of jute sector from cultivation, post harvest activities, industrial processing, product manufacturing in organised / Small & Medium Enterprises (SME)/ handicraft sector, Research & Development up to marketing / trading, etc. to explore the contribution of women in the jute sector, challenges they face and weakness in the policy areas, and to raise awareness among the stakeholders about the contribution of all concerned in the development of the jute sector irrespective of gender. Many recommendations were obtained from deliberations and discussions/interactions among the participant. IJSG took note of the important observation/suggestion/recommendation and would develop action plan, programme and future strategies towards achieving one most important objective of IJSG – Woman Empowerment with the support of respective government.

Ten Presentations were made by mainly women representatives from different fields of jute. A large number of women participated in the workshop along with representatives from the Govt./policy level, industry, entrepreneurs, R&D Organisations, handicrafts and jute diversified sector etc.