Bangladeshi American Democratic Coalition (BADC): March 2015

Bangladeshi American Democratic Coalition (BADC) celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at The Villages in San Jose, CA, with about 150 people in attendance.

Organized by Nasreen Rahim, president of BADC, vice-president Tina Jabeen, general secretary Tahsina Haque, and director of outreach Nilufar Haque, the “Make It Happen” day recognized and honored several America women of Bangladeshi heritage for their outstanding contributions to society. The honorees were Rahima Mohammed, principal engineer at Intel, Sitara Khan, philanthropist extraordinaire, Samihah Azim, product design manager, Fahmida Ahmed, environmentalist and sustainability leader, Suhaila Khan, physician, Sylvia Reshmeen, artist and calligrapher, Naushaba Rashid, innovative financial planner in a field dominated by men, and Zakia Afrin, human rights advocate and professor of international law.

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Mike Honda, Congressman from California, sent a congratulatory congressional letter that lauded the successes of BADC. “Today’s event celebrates International Women’s Day and promotes the achievements of Bangladeshi American women leaders in the Bay Area. As a strong supporter of women’s rights, I understand the importance of holding events that highlight the contributions of women to our communities.”

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Among the prominent politicians joining the celebration were supervisor Dave Cortese, supervisor Cindy Chavez and council member Ash Kalra. Their message was unifying and inspiring. More women must run for public offices because they bring different and more humane gifts to the mix. They are better at forging consensus. They know how to appeal to the better angel of our nature to reach common ground on contentious issues. They act on the conviction that peace requires more courage than war.

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Ania Alam, founder of “Outdoor Endorphins” that uses the healing powers of the outdoors to help at-risk high-school students develop their confidence and social skills, moved the attendees with her poignant reflection on the influence her grandmother, the late Dr. Razia Moni Khatun, had on her. “She gave me the strength and the motivation to pursue a career in medicine. My generation is inspired by women leaders of the past. In my case, it is my grandmother. She is no more but I feel her influence in my life every day.”

A lively panel discussion by the honorees of what can “Make It Happen” for women concluded the event. The consensus was that empowering women and ensuring their safety and security worldwide will succeed if grassroots organizations work locally to educate men about their responsibilities toward women while inspiring women to reach for the stars.

It is one of the goals of the Bangladeshi American Democratic Coalition to become such an organization.