Remarks

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Judith A. Chammas at the Dinner with Bangladeshi Reserved Seat Female City Corporation Commissioners organized by International Republican Institute (IRI) Dhaka

International Republican Institute, Dhaka

February 26, 2006

Respected City Corporation Commissioners, Colleagues from IRI and NDI, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen – Assalam-U-Alaikum and Good Evening!

(Please note that the salutation is not complete; the official guest list is being finalized)
 
I am very pleased to join you at tonight as part of this important training program for female City Commissioners from reserved seats.  I applaud the joint efforts by the City Corporation Commissioners and the International Republican Institute in organizing this training.  Thank you for inviting me to share a few thoughts with you at this dinner.

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate all of the Commissioners present here tonight for your successful election to office and for your determination to serve your constituencies in spite of many hardships.  I strongly encourage you to exercise your newly acquired responsibilities to contribute to the development of your citizens and cities.

You are also presented with an excellent opportunity to mentor other young women who may want to enter political life in the future.  I sincerely hope you will take on that particular challenge with vigor and dedication.·        In Bangladesh, the United States Government, through USAID, is currently supporting a variety of programs aimed at policy reform and capacity building of local governments. It is self-evident that democratic local governance will only succeed with the full participation of women in the decision-making process. 

This includes the need for meaningful leadership roles for women in both local and national governments.  Based on these understandings, USAID’s initiatives to strengthen local government emphasize the need for greater women’s participation and leadership in local resource allocation and management.

My Government’s commitment to the full inclusion of women in  development dates back to 1973, when the United States Congress passed a law requiring that all US foreign assistance programs focus attention on improving the overall status of women by fully integrating women into national economies and democratic processes.

The United States Government has a special interest in the advancement of women worldwide. Women’s health, education, economic opportunity, political empowerment and respect for human rights are at the core of any successful, stable society. 

In designing our programs, we seek to understand the different needs of men and women.   To improve the effectiveness and overall impact of our programs both women and men must be guaranteed equitable access to development related activities and their benefits.

In Bangladesh, USAID works alongside governmental and non-governmental partners to sharpen the awareness and understanding of the underlying importance for broad participation of women in the political process.   This is slowly being accomplished by strengthening advocacy groups, such as this group here tonight, working on behalf of women.

A fundamental component of the work with political parties done by our partners, IRI and NDI, is focused on expanding access of women to political positions and decision-making.

However, as evidenced by experience around the world, increasing women’s political participation at the local level is a key entry point and training ground for women to gain experience in politics and public management.

Prominent women elected officials from more established democracies around the world have often begun their political careers by serving first in local government positions.  Some of the best and most respected public servants in the United States are those who remain in public serve at the sub-national level, dedicated to community development issues.

So please keep in mind that although many of your political careers may be now be starting at the City Commission level that, one day, you may be called upon to serve at a national level.

Let me briefly highlight a positive trend; a new generation of women is ascending power around the world.  Just within the past few months the world has witnessed the recent election of Michelle Bachelet as Chile’s first woman president, Angela Merkel has become the first female Chancellor in Germany and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia is the first African woman President.

And of course, Bangladesh has been ahead of this trend with female Prime Ministers serving since 1991.

I would like to reiterate my Government’s commitment to furthering participatory democracy as well as to deepening and expanding women’s active involvement in politics. 

It is important to mention here that the system of “reserved seats” for women in local governments can only be effective if women are given equal power and authority in decision-making.  Though a “quota system” may seem necessary now to ensure women’s participation, women should be encouraged to run for all general seats in city corporation elections and in other local government bodies.

I highly encourage policymakers to review the nation’s laws, regulations and policies to remove any remaining barriers to women’s political participation. I strongly support the efforts being made to ensure that all elected city corporation commissioners have significant and specific responsibilities.   

I also understand there is a need for local governments to create a more congenial atmosphere that values the important work of female commissioners.  I would also like to underscore what, to some, may seem obvious, that female commissioners can and should participate on all committees - not just those that are directly related to what are traditionally considered “women’s” issues.

In light of current situation facing many female commissioners, I would call upon the City Corporation Mayors and the General Commissioners to fully and actively include you, the Commissioners from the “reserved seats”, in the decision-making process.  I firmly believe that Commissioners elected to reserved seats are equal and valuable partners in their community’s development.   Ultimately, only through collaborative efforts by all involved will your communities be able to reach their own development goals.

In closing, it is my sincere wish that this three day training course organized by IRI be successful in helping elected women leaders move forward in better defining and performing their roles and responsibilities within Bangladesh’s City Corporations.  I wish you every success in your endeavors.
  
Thank you.

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov