Political parties were urged to implement a binding code of conduct to safeguard female leaders against harassment and cyberbullying, speakers emphasized on a recent occasion. The absence of such measures could lead to the systematic exclusion of women from national politics, they cautioned.
During a gathering in the capital city organized by Women in Democracy (WIND), activists, political figures, and journalists highlighted the detrimental impact of a “feudal” mindset and a disrupted leadership progression on the democratic goals set forth by the July uprising.
Zaima Rahman, the daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, stressed the necessity for political parties to ensure the safety of their members by establishing a formal legal framework. She emphasized the importance of standing by female leaders and student leaders in the face of challenges, whether related to cyberbullying or physical threats, through the implementation of this code.
Pointing out the flawed transition from student politics to local governance, Zaima advocated for the creation and sustenance of a structured leadership pathway. She warned that without rectifying this process, the potential for nurturing skilled leaders would be severely hampered.
Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain underscored that the non-discrimination guarantee enshrined in the 1972 Constitution stands as a significant achievement of the Liberation War era, leaving no room for further debate. Hossain expressed concerns about the lack of explicit commitments to reinforcing equality and the concerning trend of using religious sentiments as a tool to judge women based on appearance rather than capabilities.
The call was made for the release of women detained on politically motivated charges by the interim government to prevent tarnishing its reputation during its tenure, as urged by Hossain.
Farah Kabir, the country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, cautioned against the negative influence of “money and muscle power” in framing politics as a corrupt sphere, which in turn marginalizes women and poses a threat to an economy heavily reliant on female labor. Kabir highlighted the importance of including women in political processes to build a sustainable democracy.
Jahangirnagar University Professor Nahrin I Khan advocated for a shift in the portrayal of women in the national narrative, emphasizing the need to celebrate women who drive political change rather than limiting them to traditional household roles.
Professor Mirza Taslima Sultana from JU pointed out the failure of the state in ensuring inclusive education, leading to the redirection of low-income women towards the madrasa system. Sultana stressed the importance of interpreting rights in a context-sensitive manner that addresses both class and gender dynamics.
Taslima Akhter Lima of Ganosamhati Andolan criticized the limited framing of women as either “victims” or “warriors,” calling for a broader recognition of women as full-fledged citizens. She cautioned against populist pledges, such as reduced working hours, which may not align with economic realities and could disadvantage women in the workforce.
Labour activist Kalpona Akter echoed concerns about promises that could potentially push women out of employment, emphasizing the need for realistic and sustainable policies that support women’s participation in the workforce.
Senior journalist Zina Tasreen at The Daily Star stressed the critical link between rights and financial independence for women, proposing measures such as mandatory female representation on corporate boards and offering incentives to companies that promote gender diversity.
Investigative journalist Zyma Islam highlighted the misuse of religion to stifle logical discourse, citing examples where religious arguments are employed to undermine women’s participation in various spheres, from politics to sports.
Umama Fatema, former spokesperson of Students Against Discrimination, lamented the regression faced by female leaders who spearheaded the uprising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on education and research rather than regulating women’s attire.
Sports advocate Sarwat Siraj Shukla raised concerns about the growing conservatism and the closure of traditional sports clubs, creating hostile environments for female athletes. This situation forces women in sports to prioritize self-defense over professional training.
Various other prominent figures, including Liberation War veteran Lutfa Haseen Rosy, Prof Shamima Sultana Lucky, labor rights advocate Nazma Akter, researcher Munia Amin, lawyer Samira Chowdhury, Ducsu research secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, and Ducsu member Hema Chakma, also shared insights during the event, which was moderated by journalist Kazi Jesin, the convener of WIND.
