PSTC observes International Women’s Day 2026

PSTC observed International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, delivering a strong message on advancing sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and young people.

The organization emphasized that gender equality is not only a social demand but also a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable global development, said a press release.

PSTC urged individuals and communities to take immediate and effective action to eliminate ongoing inequalities and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring dignity, freedom of choice, and empowerment for women and girls.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2026, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of investing in women’s rights, opportunities, and leadership. The theme reflects the idea that empowering women contributes to stronger families, more productive workplaces, and resilient communities.

PSTC stressed the need to remove structural barriers and social biases that continue to limit women’s progress in various sectors of life. The organization called for collective efforts from governments, institutions, and individuals to eliminate gender-based discrimination and expand women’s participation in all spheres of society.

PSTC has a long-standing tradition of observing International Women’s Day at both its field implementation areas and head office. As part of this year’s celebration, a discussion meeting was held at the PSTC Head Office on March 8, 2026, where staff members gathered to reflect on the significance of the day.

The program provided an open platform to discuss women’s and girls’ rights, gender equality, and the challenges posed by gender-based violence and discrimination.

During the event, a keynote presentation analyzed the socioeconomic status of women in Bangladesh. The presentation highlighted key challenges such as access to education, employment opportunities, social barriers, and gender inequality.

It also emphasized the importance of policy support, institutional reforms, and community engagement in promoting women’s empowerment and building a more inclusive society.

Participants, including youth and staff members, shared their views on current gender dynamics and discussed possible strategies to address these challenges. They stressed that the promotion of gender equality should begin within the family, as social values and attitudes are often shaped during early childhood. Parents, teachers, and community leaders were urged to promote respect, equality, and inclusion from an early age.

Dr. Mahbubul Alam, Head of Programs of PSTC, highlighted the organization’s ongoing initiatives to empower women and girls through education, vocational training, and healthcare services.

He said these programs are helping women develop skills, confidence, and opportunities to build better futures for themselves and their communities while challenging harmful gender stereotypes and expanding women’s participation in society.

Dr. Noor Mohammad, Executive Director of PSTC, stated that gender equality is a societal issue rather than solely a women’s issue. He emphasized that supporting women’s empowerment initiatives and combating discrimination at all levels is essential for building a just and equitable world.

He called upon organizations, communities, and individuals to continue advocating for women’s rights, recognizing women’s contributions, and working collectively to ensure a world free from discrimination and violence for every woman and girl.