The Australian High Commission in Dhaka acknowledged the leadership of Bangladeshi girls’ and women in different sports in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2018. The Australian High Commission’s Chargé de ’Affairs, Ms Penny Morton, hosted the event and presented female sports champions with a certificate to honour their leadership in sports.
Ms Morton said, ‘On the International Day of the Girl Child, we are here to acknowledge the achievements and special efforts girls have made through sport internationally and in Bangladesh. Let’s pave the way for our daughters as we do for our sons. There should not be any disparity in sports, nor in the workplace, nor in life between men and women. Women and men should be seen as, and treated as, equals in all respects.’
The sports champions attended the event were Zobera Rahman Linu – Table tennis player, Shathira Jakir Jesy – Cricket player from the Bangladesh national women’s cricket team, Atiqua Binte Baqui – Bike rider, Sherin Sultana – Wrestler, Fariha Afsana Kanta – Sports Journalist, Mabia Akhtar – Weight lifter and Mahfuza Akter Sheela – Swimmer. Around 50 girls from BRAC adolescent clubs also participated the celebration and took part in the “Motivational Clinic” where the sports girls shared stories of their achievements and how they have overcome their challenges.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment is a priority for Australia at home and oversees. Australia is committed to working with the international community, and civil society, to advance the rights of women and girls across the world.