Upholding women's rights

Most of the women in our country have an uncanny feeling that society is increasingly becoming a difficult place to live for a woman as they face all being subjected all forms of discrimination like stalking and eve teasing and sexual harassment in work places. Parents of girls often feel pressurized to stop education of their girl children and marry them off early to ensure their safety and security. While women have been making great strides in most areas of our national life, safety and security for them will definitely enhance prospects of further development. Women of Bangladesh have made remarkable progress since the country gained its independence. The past four decades have seen increased political empowerment for women, better job prospects, improved education, healthcare and the adoption of new laws to protect women's rights. Now it needs to be ensured that women move with honour and dignity and without being stalked, teased or harassed.

Women's rights are the fundamental human rights that were enshrined by the United Nations Charter nearly 70 years ago. These rights include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn a fair and equal wage.

We must ensure that women are given due respect, facilities and privileges in our country.

Roksana Sultana

Uttara, Dhaka