‍‍`Narir Dake Maitree Jatra‍‍` declaration calls for equal rights, social dignity

"Narir Dake Maitree Jatra", a march programme urging equal rights for women, took place in front of the National Parliament at the capital‍‍`s Manik Mia Avenue yesteday. Thousands of women marched demanding that the government act against the threats women and minority communities face and the misinformation campaign against the Women‍‍`s Affairs Reform Commission.

With colourful banners and placards bearing various messages the participants gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in the afternoon and then began the "Narir Dake Maitree Jatra"

The march proceeded around 5pm from Manik Mia Avenue to Khamarbari road to Farmgate to Indira road and concluded back at Manik Mia Avenue around 6:30pm.

Participants were chanting various slogans demanding equal rights for women. These slogans highlight issues such as women‍‍`s rights, dignity, safety, labour rights, opposition to fascism, and also solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Groups of garment workers, domestic workers, indigenous and Dalit women, students, teachers, sex workers, and members of the hijra and gender-diverse communities united in their call for justice, dignity, and equality.

The participants demanded that political parties clearly state their policies on the rights of women, workers, and minority groups. Among their key demands was the mandatory 33 percent representation of women in upcoming elections.

Concrete demands include:

Government action against violence and propaganda targeting the Women Affairs Reform Commission.
Equal political participation (at least 33% women candidates in elections).
Legal reforms for land rights, marital equality, and protection of reproductive freedoms.
Urgent investment in education, health, and housing for marginalised groups.
Recognition and protection of sex workers, gender-diverse individuals, and migrant workers.