Sustainable development impossible without women’s policy participation: Adviser

Adviser on Labour and Employment Affairs Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain has said that active participation of women in policymaking is essential to achieve sustainable development.

He made the remarks on Monday (October 6) while inaugurating the two-day event ‘Horizon Fest: Celebrating Women, Skills and Employment’ at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dhaka, organised by the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA).

“Women’s sustainable empowerment must be ensured through proper training and skill development,” said Sakhawat Hossain, emphasizing the need for effective training for outbound female workers.

“Women are not only the workforce of society—they are also its leadership strength. Only by ensuring women’s participation in decision-making can development become truly sustainable,” the added.

Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, Lutfey Siddiqi, said, “Women today are not just contributors to development; they are one of its driving forces. Equal participation in skills, employment, and leadership is vital.”

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz noted that women’s empowerment is a universal necessity, not a Western idea, saying, “No nation can achieve sustainability while excluding half its population. When women have equal access to education, skills, and opportunities, the entire society progresses.”

The event, jointly organized by NSDA and GIZ Bangladesh’s Advance Project, showcases success stories of women’s skill development and employment while discussing gender equality and future opportunities. The festival will continue until October 7, featuring interactive sessions, exhibitions, and discussions highlighting women’s leadership and employment in Bangladesh’s evolving labour market.