Observed for more than a century, International Women’s Day (IWD) goes beyond mere celebration to acknowledge women’s achievements and review progress towards gender equality. This year, the focus of the day emphasized the urgent need for action. The theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” highlights the importance of translating commitments into tangible outcomes. Worldwide, countless women and girls face legal biases, social hurdles, and limited opportunities. The theme stresses the necessity of legally recognizing women’s rights, ensuring fair justice, and actively removing structural barriers.
Bangladesh resonates with the theme “Rights. Justice. Action” given its current context. Over the past five decades, the country has made impressive strides in empowering women. It has gained global acclaim for enhancing girls’ education, reducing maternal mortality rates, and broadening economic prospects for women. The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector has seen millions of women joining the workforce, making it a key contributor to the country’s exports. Bangladeshi women are prominently represented across agriculture, industry, and service sectors. Moreover, the country boasts a significant history of women holding prominent governmental positions, with two female prime ministers leading for over three decades.
Despite these advancements, numerous challenges persist. Women’s workforce participation remains significantly lower than men’s, standing at 38.4 percent compared to men’s approximately 80 percent, as per the Labour Force Survey 2024. Women are predominantly engaged in informal, low-paying jobs with limited job security, social protection, and career advancement prospects. Issues like child marriage, gender-based violence, and unequal access to financial resources further impede the progress of women and girls nationwide.
These realities underscore that development achievements do not automatically equate to enhanced equality. Structural obstacles continue to hinder women’s access to various opportunities. A prime example is women’s representation in national politics.
Despite women’s historical presence in top political roles, their participation in electoral politics remains subpar. The latest parliamentary election witnessed fewer women vying for seats compared to previous years. Although reserved seats ensure a minimal level of female representation in parliament, direct election of women from general seats remains minimal.
Several factors contribute to this underrepresentation, with economic barriers being notably impactful. Contesting in elections demands substantial financial resources, posing challenges for many women in funding competitive campaigns. Political funding mechanisms often favor established male networks, disadvantaging female candidates.
Social and cultural norms significantly influence gender roles. Politics is often viewed as a male-dominated arena, leading women aspiring for leadership roles to encounter skepticism and discouragement. Family responsibilities and caregiving duties further curtail women’s ability to pursue demanding political positions. In certain contexts, religious and cultural beliefs reinforce the perception that political leadership is a male prerogative.
The scarcity of women in politics bears significant consequences. Underrepresentation in decision-making can result in public policies that overlook the concerns and experiences of half the population. Critical issues such as maternal health, workplace equality, childcare, and gender-based violence may receive inadequate attention when women are excluded from policy formulation.
Global evidence suggests that greater female involvement in politics enhances democratic governance. Legislatures with higher female representation tend to prioritize social issues like education, health, and community welfare. Women leaders bring diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching policy dialogues and fostering inclusive decision-making.
Political parties should actively nominate and support women candidates in campaigns. Financial support systems should be adjusted to reduce economic barriers for female contenders. Additionally, leadership training and mentorship programs can prepare women for national-level political roles.
Encouragingly, women’s participation in local government elections shows promise. Despite facing challenges like limited authority and social resistance, roles in union parishad elections offer vital opportunities for enhancing women’s political engagement. Participation in local governance serves as a stepping stone for future national leaders. Women gaining experience in union parishads develop leadership skills, expand community networks, and boost their confidence for greater political responsibilities. Enhancing women’s involvement at the local level is crucial for bolstering representation on the national stage.
Realizing the objectives of “Rights. Justice. Action” necessitates more than political involvement; it requires collective action across society. The government must enhance legal protections and ensure effective access to justice for discrimination and violence survivors. The private sector should create more avenues for women in employment and leadership roles. Civil society organizations need to advocate for gender equality and challenge detrimental social norms. Development partners can support initiatives that empower women economically and socially. The media’s role in showcasing women’s achievements and exposing discrimination is pivotal in fostering progressive societal attitudes.
Women remain pivotal drivers of change, significantly influencing Bangladesh’s economic and social progress. Their advancement hinges on education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and collective advocacy. Legal safeguards and daily protections for women are imperative. Justice should be accessible and equitable for all. Furthermore, initiatives must be continuous, inclusive, and directed towards tangible progress.
Bangladesh has showcased that empowering women fuels substantial social and economic advancements. The focus now is on building on these achievements
