An information session on the "Kamla Bhasin Award" was convened by the Award Committee on Wednesday, at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Auditorium, Bangladesh National Press Club. The committee anticipates active participation from Bangladesh in the award process.
Speakers told on the session that the legacy of Kamla Bhasin, a trailblazer in the South Asian women's movement, continues to inspire efforts for gender equality. In honour of her life and to carry on her mission for gender parity, the Azad Foundation, National Foundation for India, and iPartner-India jointly launched the "Kamla Bhasin Awards - For Driving Gender Equality Across South Asia" on September 25, 2021, the day she passed away.
Speakers including Khushi Kabir, a prominent human rights activist from Bangladesh and Regional Advisor for Sangat, Dolon Ganguly, a member of the award committee and CEO of Azad Foundation, and Advocate Nahid Sultana, a member of the Country Core Group of Sangat Bangladesh, addressed the gathering.
During the session, Khushi Kabir provided insights into the purpose of the press conference and Kamla Bhasin's remarkable contributions. Dolan Ganguly elaborated on the award's criteria and urged Bangladeshi media to disseminate information about the award widely, encouraging eligible candidates from villages to cities to apply. The award's jury comprises renowned South Asian women's rights activists, philanthropists, and journalists. It will be presented annually in two categories: women excelling in non-traditional occupations and men championing gender equality.
Each award carries a prize of Rs. 1 lakh in Indian currency and offers recipients the opportunity to collaborate with a network of social workers across South Asia.
Applications for the award were announced on March 8, with a deadline of June 7, 2024. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 30 at the Habitat Center in New Delhi, India.
