09/03/2026
On 08 March 2026, Women with Disabilities Development Foundation - WDDF observed International Women’s Day 2026 at the WDDF Daudkandi Branch Office under the “Touch to Heart: Ask for Equality (THAE)” Project, funded by Foundation for A Just Society (FJS). The program followed the global theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.”
The event was organized to highlight the rights, dignity, and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in society. A total of 50 women and girls with disabilities participated in the program. Members of the WDDF Daudkandi Team and the Dhaka Head Office Team were also present, including Ashrafun Nahar Misti, Executive Director of WDDF.
The program was moderated by S.A. Dolon , Program Associate Coordinator of WDDF. At the beginning of the event, she welcomed all participants, guests, and team members. In her opening remarks, she briefly explained the significance of International Women’s Day and emphasized the importance of raising the voices of women and girls with disabilities to ensure their equal rights and opportunities in society.
The welcome speech was delivered by Masuma Akter , WDDF Daudkandi Branch Coordinator. In her speech, she warmly welcomed all the participants and guests. She explained the objectives of organizing the day, highlighting the importance of awareness, empowerment, and collective action for women and girls with disabilities. She also shared the activities of WDDF at the community level and encouraged women with disabilities to become more confident and active in social development activities.
After that, Ashrafun Nahar Misti , Executive Director of WDDF, delivered her speech on the importance of International Women’s Day 2026. She spoke about the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, including discrimination, limited access to education, employment, and social participation. She emphasized that women with disabilities must be recognized as equal citizens and should have full access to rights, justice, and opportunities. She also encouraged the participants to raise their voices, become leaders in their communities, and work together to create an inclusive society where no woman or girl is left behind.
An open discussion session was then held where women and girls with disabilities actively participated. Many participants shared their personal experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. They discussed issues such as access to education, employment opportunities, social acceptance, and the need for better support systems for persons with disabilities. The discussion created a supportive space where participants could express their opinions and learn from each other.
The program was also joined by Abu Sayed, Member of Baropara Union, Daudkandi, who attended as a special guest. In his speech, he appreciated the work of WDDF in empowering women and girls with disabilities. He mentioned that local government representatives and communities should work together to improve the living conditions of women with disabilities. He also expressed his commitment to supporting disability inclusion and ensuring that women with disabilities receive equal opportunities in education, employment, and social activities.
The program ended with a closing session, where the moderator thanked all participants, guests, and WDDF staff members for their active participation and support. The event successfully created awareness about the importance of rights, justice, and equal opportunities for all women and girls, especially those with disabilities. It also strengthened the confidence and solidarity of women and girls with disabilities in the community.
