DHAKA, 12 March 2025 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) successfully concluded its first-ever two-day workshop on ‘Gender Equality and Women’s Leadership,’ held from 11 to 12 March at BOA Bhaban, according to a press release.
Organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity programme and in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia, the workshop aimed to promote gender equality and enhance women’s leadership roles in sports.
A total of 47 participants, including athletes, coaches, and organisers from various Olympic and non-Olympic national federations, took part in the event.
BOA Director General Brigadier General (Retd.) ABM Shefaul Kabir inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest, emphasising the importance of women’s rights and ensuring due respect for female athletes.
Workshop Highlights
On the first day (Tuesday), Professor Dr. Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman elaborated on how sports professionals can develop their public engagement skills. He also addressed participants’ queries on the subject. Following his session, Akhtar Hossain Khan discussed the status of gender equality in Bangladesh, along with the challenges and opportunities for women in sports. Participants were then divided into six groups and tasked with presenting solutions to increase women’s participation in sports.
On the second day (Wednesday), Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Siddiqui led a discussion on fostering women’s leadership in sports, while Dr. Farzana Akter Bhuiyan focused on ensuring fitness and well-being in athletic pursuits. Afterward, participants once again worked in groups to present strategies for enhancing women’s involvement in sports.
Closing Ceremony
BOA Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the participants. He highlighted that such initiatives play a vital role in increasing women’s leadership in the sporting sector.
BOA Treasurer AK Sarkar, members of the BOA executive committee, the BOA Director General, and other officials were also present at the concluding session.
Additional Context:
Bangladesh has been making strides in promoting women’s participation in sports, with several female athletes achieving significant milestones in recent years. However, challenges such as social stigma, lack of infrastructure, and limited leadership opportunities still persist. Workshops like this serve as a crucial step towards addressing these issues and empowering women in the sporting community.