Dhaka: With an aim to provide an opportunity to build networks with both the British Council and other non-governmental organisations working in the girl child space, to understand the work and challenges around girl child education in Bangladesh, and to discuss where the gender data gaps are, the British Council recently organised a panel discussion at British Council 5 Fuller Road office.

The theme of this year’s panel discussion was ‘Girls’ Progress = Goal’s Progress”. During the occasion, participants and speakers discussed how the collection of comprehensive, girl-relevant, girl-focused, and sex-disaggregated data is essential, especially in developing countries such as Bangladesh.

Collection of the data will enable girls to become more visible and be counted, will inform programming and hold leaders to account, said a press release on Thursday.

Among others, the program was attended by Dr. Abul Hossain, Project Director, Violence Against Women and Children, Ministry of Woman and Child Affairs; Mahtabul Hakim, Coordinator, UN Women; Roshni Basu, Gender Specialist, UNICEF; and Mahmuda Rahman Khan,            Senior Program Development Specialist, USAID. Other organizations who participated in the event include Plan International, Save the Children, BRAC, and Google.

‘The British Council’s work within the girl child space builds on over 20 years’ applied experience in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and wider Europe as well as this region. This work supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).

The British Council sees issues of equality and diversity as a crucial part of cultural relations. Gender equality, therefore, forms an important aspect of our work,’ said Jim Scarth, Deputy Director of British Council Bangladesh.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to view photographs and artwork from the British Council’s English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) project.

On December 19, 2011, The United Nations General Assembly declared 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girl face around the world. This yearly initiative by the British Council is aimed at propelling the targets set by the UN in ensuring greater empowerment of women around the world.