An inclusive consultative workshop titled 'Advocating for Changed Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Collective Action' was held in Khulna on Tuesday at the Darbar Hall of Hotel Castle Salam. The event aimed to identify barriers to women’s economic empowerment, market access, and social participation, and to explore possible solutions. It was organized under Window-3 of the FAME project, funded by the French Development Agency and supervised by the Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce. Local NGO Purnima hosted the event, with the Center for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) as the lead organization and Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD) as a partner.

Representatives from government and private institutions, entrepreneurs, researchers, and members of marginalized communities attended the workshop. Participants conducted a gender lens assessment to identify obstacles such as limited access to resources, market entry challenges, mobility safety, and restrictive social norms. The day-long discussions generated several recommendations.

Organizers stated that the recommendations will guide efforts to create an inclusive and gender-sensitive economic environment. A joint advocacy document will also be prepared and submitted to relevant ministries for policy consideration.