Dhaka, 19 March 2019. Today a group of 18 Rights Based Civil Society Networks have demanded the tax money to invest for establishing women’s rights through a human chain organized in front of National Press Club Dhaka. Speakers mentioned that “Men are enjoying the benefits of food, health, healthcare, education, entertainment and other facilities more than women around the world. Women are discriminated in participating in economic activities, uneven recruitment, promotions, wages etc. But the participation of women in both formal and non-formal areas are increasing. On the other hand, the unpaid care work is not counted in the national economy. Speakers demanded on recognition of women contribution in the economy and also urged to reduce the burden on women and demanded redistribution of tax revenue with justice with more investment to women development.

The human chain was facilitated by EquityBD, moderated by Mr. Mustafa Kamal Akanda and the key note has been presented by Ms. Ferdous Ara Rumee of same organization. Among others, Ms. Rehana Akter of Bangladesh Krishani Sabha, Mr. Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Mr. Barkat Ullah Maruf of COAST Trust, Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD spoke at the human chain. They demanded; (a) Inclusion of domestic works as contribution in national economy and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) , (b) Not to privatize education, health, water and energy, which create extra burden to the women in families, (c) Abolish wage discrimination between man and women, (d) Invest in money in education and women skill, (e) No VAT (Value Added Tax) on women headed family, (f) Recognize unpaid care work of the women, (g) Make taxes regime work for women and (h) Ensure women friendly workplace and daycare center for children.

In the written statement Ms. Rumee said, Women’s participation and contribution in the economy is increasing day by day. However, women participation in the formal sector is yet to be recognized. About 80 percent of the working people involved in the informal sector are women. But women get less wage and other benefits than men with similar labor. But, these women also have to buy essential goods and public services at the same price. On the hand, women give more time than men in domestic and care work which are not included in the national income; the monetary value is about 77 percent of GDP.

Ms. Rehana Akter said, there are no day care center in several garment’s factories, government and non-government organizations in the city, except for a few. She urged the government to increase investment in creating a women-friendly environment and day-care center for equality at work.

Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury demands to recognize the women activities by government and must be assessed at monetary value in our economy. Thus male domination would be changed and women rights along with their dignity should be established in the family, society and even in the state.

Women are serous to realize their demands.

EquaityBD Moderator Rezaul Karim Choudhury speaking in the rally on ’Make taxes work for women’.

A portion of the really seen here in front of National Press Club in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bigger portion of the rally held in National Pres club in Dhaka, Bangladesh