Identifying the barriers to girls’ education in disadvantaged areas and finding solutions to ensure quality education requires coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, private development organizations, and local leaders. This insight emerged from discussions at the national-level advocacy dialogue organized by JAAGO Foundation Trust at the EMK Center in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Tuesday.
In her speech as the chief guest, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said, “Reform is fundamentally about changing mindsets. If we can invest in girls’ education, they will not only become empowered themselves but will also play a vital role in our overall development. Therefore, I call on everyone to work together to remove barriers to girls’ education and ensure access to quality education, particularly in climate-affected areas.” She also praised the JAAGO Foundation’s initiatives for social change and youth development.
The primary objective of the advocacy dialogue was to identify the barriers to girls’ education and discuss potential solutions to overcome them. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure quality education for girls was highlighted.
A panel discussion titled “Empowering Girls to Overcome Educational Discrimination in Climate-Vulnerable Regions of Bangladesh: A Vision for a Brighter Future” was organized during the advocacy dialogue. Panelists included Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank; Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh; and Dr. S.M. Hafizur Rahman, Professor at the Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University. The discussion emphasized the importance of advocating to the relevant authorities about the barriers to girls’ education in remote areas and promoting potential solutions. Additionally, the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure quality education for girls and empower them was stressed. Collective efforts are crucial to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for girls.
Korvi Rakshand, Chairman of JAAGO Foundation Trust, stated, “JAAGO Foundation Trust strongly believes that education is the most powerful tool for changing the world. It is not only about personal empowerment but also plays a vital role in the development of society and future generations. Our goal is to ensure quality education for underprivileged children, which provides them with opportunities to realize their potential. By working together, we aim to create an environment where every child, especially girls, can pursue their dreams fearlessly and contribute to the development of society.”
