Women's participation in all fields essential to consolidate democracy: CEC

He said this on Monday (October 5) at a workshop on gender equality organized by the UN Electoral Project at the Electoral Training Institute in the capital.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah said that increasing the number of women voters alone will not be enough; the scope of their empowerment must also be expanded. He emphasized increasing women's participation in various fields, including political parties, private and development organizations.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said political parties must take initiatives to increase women's representation in proportion to voters. For this, changes are needed in party outlook as well as legal arrangements.

Election Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed said ensuring women's equality is not possible only through meetings, seminars or planning; effective initiatives must be taken at the field level. In particular, work is needed to increase women voters in villages and coastal areas.

She also said women's participation in elections is an important aspect of democracy. Expressing hope that the upcoming local government elections will be participatory, she said the number of women candidates is still low compared to voters.