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Dhaka, March 8, 2025 – The ProNurse Project marked International Women’s Day 2025 with a discussion on “Accelerating Action to Promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the Nursing Sector of Bangladesh.” The event, held at the College of Nursing auditorium in Mohakhali, Dhaka, brought together 14 female nurses from the public sector, one female nurse leader from the private sector, and two renowned female leaders from the development sector. The discussion provided a platform for participants to share their personal and professional journeys, shedding light on the barriers they faced and the resilience that led them to their current positions.

The event began with the inspiring story of a senior nurse leader who recalled how her personal experience as a patient motivated her to pursue the profession. Initially, social stigma and family resistance stood in her way. “At that time, nursing was not considered a ‘respectable’ profession, and my mother strongly opposed my choice,” she shared. However, her determination and passion drove her to follow her dream. She graduated with top results and secured a government nursing position.

Her challenges didn’t end there. Her marriage brought further societal scrutiny, as nursing was not widely regarded as a prestigious profession for women in Bangladesh. Despite these obstacles, she persevered in her career and later achieved a master’s degree from a prestigious international university in the UK, an uncommon feat at the time. Today, she holds a leading position in the nursing sector, serving with dignity and inspiring others to break barriers, becoming a role model for female nurses.

The stories shared during the discussion carried a common message: with motivation, strong will, and self-commitment, women can rise as leaders and serve the profession with courage and dignity. The discussion highlighted several examples of women leaders who broke barriers, faced challenges head-on, and succeeded in the profession. However, they also acknowledged that female nurses in Bangladesh still face persistent gender-based discrimination, social stigma, workplace safety concerns, limited access to leadership positions, and difficulties in maintaining a work-life balance due to the lack of daycare facilities at the workplace. The conversation also pointed to systemic barriers, such as policies that are not sufficiently women-friendly and a legal system that often causes more victimization than justice. The primary obstacle remains society’s deeply ingrained male-dominated perspective.

To address these challenges, participants recommended breaking the silence, raising awareness, and promoting female leadership across all sectors as key strategies for change.

The event concluded with each participant making a personal commitment to “accelerate action” in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality in Bangladesh. Some of the commitments included: teaching female students about self-respect, mentoring young nurses to enhance their leadership and negotiation skills, ensuring a successful BNA election with stronger female representation, supporting women in nursing, advocating for workplace safety, and reducing gender inequality at work to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

The ProNurse Project’s International Women’s Day celebration served as a powerful reminder that women’s empowerment in the nursing sector is not just an aspiration—it is a necessity. With continued personal and professional commitment, advocacy, and collective action, the nursing profession in Bangladesh can progress toward a future where women are truly empowered, and their contributions are recognized and valued.

The discussion was live-streamed via the ProNurse Facebook page: https://shorturl.at/gXFyf