(BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said rural women are playing a crucial role in strengthening the country’s nutrition base and rural economy through their tireless efforts.

“The rural women are becoming financially self-reliant by rearing ducks, poultry, livestock, and goats on one hand, while ensuring nutrition for their families and communities by supplying eggs, milk, and meat on the other,” she said.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing a national seminar titled “Rural Women in Climate Adaptation” as the chief guest at the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation auditorium in the capital.

The event was organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a non-government and non-profit organization working with grassroots partners to improve the well-being of poor and marginalized communities, marking the International Day of Rural Women 2025.

Farida Akhter said a large share of the country’s nutrition at the micro level comes from the contributions of rural women.

“If rural women did not engage in animal rearing, the country could not have achieved self-sufficiency in food production,” she observed.

She emphasized that the country’s development is not possible without empowering rural women and making their contributions visible. “Their role will become more prominent if we continue to encourage and support them,” she added.

Referring to the plight of fishermen, the adviser said many of them still suffer from low wages due to the exploitative ‘Dadan’ system.

“The Dadan system is a serious problem and needs to be abolished,” she said, adding that a proposal has already been placed to establish a Fisheries and Livestock Bank to address the issue.

On the issue of child marriage, Farida Akhter said, “Rural women cannot become strong if child marriage is not stopped.”

Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Dr M Hazrat Ali and Programme Manager of the Resilient Livelihood Programme of the European Union’s Bangladesh office Meher Nigar Bhuiyan spoke as special guests.

MJF Executive Director Shahin Anam delivered the welcome address, while the foundation’s Project Officer Tajwar Mahmid presented the keynote paper.