A seminar on “Violence against Indigenous women in Family, Society and Customary law” was held on 31 October 2014, jointly organized by Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha and Ananya Kolyan Sangathan. Bomang Circle Chief King U Cha Pru Marma was present as the Chief Guest in the seminar held at Sangu Hotel, Bandarban. Dilara Rekha, Coordinator, Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha explained the objectives and background of the seminar, in welcome speech. Donai Pru Neli, Executive Director, Ananya Kolyan Sangathan presided over the meeting. Local, ethnic leaders and local elites including Lalsani Lusai, President, Bandarban Women Chamber of Commerce; Y Ching Pru, Vice Chairman (Female), Bandarban Sadar Upazila; Ethnic leader Aung Song Mong, Dendha Jolai Tripura, Jumlian Amlai were present in the seminar.
The participants of the consultation expressed their opinions in favor of establishing equal rights of ethnic women through reformation of customary laws and keep those in written to eradicate discriminatory and degrading customs and traditions to women; ensuring equal inheritance of ethnic women on family wealth; establish marriage registration system in the ethnic communities; prohibit multiple marriage in customary laws to prevent polygamy of ethnic males; women should be prioritized in traditional organizations based on qualifications; proper record and preservation of traditional court verdicts; ensuring women representation in hearings of traditional courts and stop violence against ethnic women.
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