United Nations Population Fund hosts Open Mic in Dhaka marking International Women’s Day, promoting women’s rights. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - To mark the International Women’s Day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh organised an Open Mic event on Wednesday at Shahabuddin Park, inviting members of the public to raise their voices for the rights, justice and empowerment of women and girls across the country.

Held under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the event created a public platform for women, girls, men and boys to share their reflections, commitments and aspirations for a more equal Bangladesh, a UNFPA press release said today.

Addressing the gathering, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh Catherine Breen Kamkong thanked participants for their courage and engagement, emphasising that meaningful change begins by listening to communities.

“Policies and programmes are strongest when they reflect and are guided by real voices and lived experiences,” the UNFPA Representative said. 

“At UNFPA, we are committed to preventing violence against women and girls, ending child marriage, reducing adolescent pregnancy, ending preventable maternal deaths and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. But sustainable progress requires collective action, and that starts with dialogue.”

Bangladesh has made significant progress in advancing gender equality. However, challenges remain. Violence against women continues to affect millions, child marriage persists as a reality for almost half of all adolescent girls, mothers still die in pregnancy and birth, and many women and girls still face barriers in exercising full agency over their health and life choices.

“Many girls are still discouraged from studying technology and engineering, and too often they face cyberbullying and online harassment. Initiatives like Alapon Helpline help adolescents to have a safe space to openly share their struggles, talk about mental health, and support each other. When young people feel heard, they find strength and hope to move forward,” said Farhana Sadika, a student at the United International University speaking at the Open Mic event about the challenges girls face in her community.

The Open Mic event forms part of UNFPA Bangladesh’s broader International Women’s Day campaign, which aims to highlight data, personal stories and community voices to drive action on women’s and girls’ rights.

UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the Government of Bangladesh, partners and communities to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence, make informed decisions about her future, and move beyond survival to thrive and realize her fullest potential.