It is good to learn that Bangladesh is the most gender-equal among the South Asian countries. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2022, we have ranked 71 out of 146 countries. The constant efforts to empower women in society, particularly in education, are responsible for the country's current position in gender equality. However, we have to go a long way in this regard and attain gender parity as much as possible.
Unfortunately in our rural society, girls are still treated as lesser human beings compared to their male counterparts. Women in villages have little knowledge about their rights and access to opportunities to gain financial freedom. Even educated and employed women least prepared to make decisions about their lives in some places. Workplaces have failed to accommodate women in key positions. By and large, women earn about half as much as men in the country. This gender gap is only exacerbated in the informal market where, for example, a male construction worker can make one and a half times more than his female counterpart. Studies show that a Bangladeshi woman earns on an average 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. And again, mind you, we are talking about the same job, working the same number of hours.
The government, non-governmental organisations, and civil society must take comprehensive action to bridge the gender gap that still exists in Bangladesh. Without empowering women and including them in the workforce, we will remain unable to achieve any form of progress. Education must be made accessible to and affordable for all girls and patriarchal norms should be taken apart to improve gender parity.
Fariha Tabassum Piya,
Student of Department of Management,
University of Dhaka, Dhaka,
f.tabassum36@gmail.com