DHAKA: US ambassador to Dhaka Dan W Mozena on Wednesday observed that women’s development means country’s development.

A country enjoys development if there is women's development, he added.

The US diplomat was addressing the launching ceremony of a campaign titled ‘Narir Joye Shobar Joy’ (when woman win, we all win) at a city hotel.

Mozena said a country gets development when women's development takes place.

The envoy said, “We have to work with women for sustainable development because they belong to the half of total population.”

Putting importance on women’s participation in politics Mozena said that the increase of their involvement is necessary to make democracy stronger.

Addressing the function, USAID Bangladesh mission director Janina Jaruzelski said, “Women’s political participation has a positive impact on social and economic policies and directly improve the lives of all citizens, regardless of gender.”

“That is why, we have named the campaign today: When women win, we all win,” she added.

Democracy International (DI) deputy chief Katie Croake said, “The next twelve months (of incumbent government’s tenure) represent an exciting opportunity to expand political leadership opportunities for women as parties conduct councils for their leadership committees”.

Mohila Parisad president Ayesha Khanom, BNP vice-chairman Selima Rahman, Jubo Mohila Awami League general secretary advocate Apu Ukil, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) founding president Selima Ahmed, Jatyo Party presidium member Professor Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the function.

Jointly financed by USAID and UKAID, DI launched the campaign aiming to advance woman’s political leadership in Bangladeshi politics.

Over 10,000 women political leaders will become beneficiaries of the campaign across the country through advocacy, leadership trainings, and networking opportunities.

BDST: 1825 HRS, NOV 19, 2014