Rajshahi workshop stresses gender equality and inclusive WASH services for women and marginalized communities in Bangladesh. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 13, 2026 (BSS) - A divisional consultation workshop was held in Rajshahi today to mainstream gender perspectives and ensure gender equality in Bangladesh's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

The workshop was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office with participation of representatives from government and non-government organizations, development partners and civil society.

Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam attended the event as the chief guest and stressed integrating gender issues at every level of policymaking to ensure equal access to WASH services, especially for women, children and marginalized communities.

The workshop was organized by the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) under the Ministry of Water Resources with support from WaterAid Bangladesh and supervision of the Policy Support Branch of the Local Government Division.

Speakers highlighted the importance of integrating gender equality and social inclusion into the WASH sector in line with the National Water Supply and Sanitation Strategy 2021.

The workshop was chaired by Dr. Mahbuba Nasreen, Professor at the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies of Dhaka University.