In alignment with SDG 5: Gender Equality, the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Centre for Gender and Development Studies (BCGDS), University of Dhaka hosted the 2nd International Conference on “Gender and Development” from August 2023, focusing on the theme: “Gender, Social Justice, and Sustainable Development: The Asian Perspective.” This flagship event was a cornerstone in the university’s commitment to addressing gender justice and contributing to sustainable development, particularly within the Asian context.

The conference brought together leading global scholars, including Professor Naila Kabeer of the London School of Economics (LSE) and Professor Chandra T. Mohanty of Syracuse University, as keynote speakers. It addressed the interconnected challenges of gender inequality, social justice, and sustainable development in Asia, a region marked by profound disparities in caste, class, ethnicity, and gender.

The event explored critical issues at the intersection of gender justice and sustainable development through the following thematic areas including Women’s Labor Force Participation, Transformative Leadership, The role of technology in fostering gender inclusion in Asia’s “DigitALL” future, Decolonizing Education, Gender-Responsive Climate Actions, Post-Pandemic Realities, Engaging Men as Allies: Breaking barriers to involve men in gender equality advocacy.

The conference underscored the urgent need to address systemic inequalities and foster an inclusive, equitable society. By advancing dialogue, research, and policy recommendations, it demonstrated the University of Dhaka’s commitment to empowering marginalized voices across Asia. It promoted gender-sensitive policies and practices to address social and environmental challenges while driving regional and global collaboration in achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG 5.

This high-profile event reinforced Dhaka University’s dedication to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, showcasing its proactive role in addressing gender inequality and sustainable development. The 2nd International Conference on “Gender and Development” exemplifies how academic institutions can serve as catalysts for achieving global sustainability goals by fostering research, dialogue, and actionable change.

Evidence: https://du.ac.bd/index.php/rb_post_details/369/18585