UN Women yesterday launched its global campaign HeForShe in Bangladesh with nine male leaders committing to support and establish gender equality in their respective sectors.

The leaders are: Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Johan Frisell, President of Inter-Parliamentarian Union Saber Hossain Chowdhury, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue Debapriya Bhattacharya, UN Resident Coordinator Robert D Watkins, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice President Shahidullah Azim, film director Khalid Mahmood Mithu, professional golfer Siddiqur Rahman and Jaago Foundation founder Korvi Rakshand.

In celebration of International Women's Day, UN Women held a launching ceremony supported by the Embassy of Sweden at the capital's Sonargaon hotel.

Johan Frisell pledged to "support development projects that give equal and increased opportunities for women in the labour market in Bangladesh". The struggle for gender equality is not only a matter for women, he stressed.

UN Women Representative in Bangladesh Christine Hunter said, "By committing to purposeful action and standing in solidarity with women, men can help put gender equality at the centre of development and growth."

She also urged all men to sign up at heforshe.org and to believe in the motto.