Women constitute half of Bangladesh's population, yet their safety remains a persistent concern. Although women's rights are protected by laws, policies, and international commitments, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Almost every day, the media reports incidents of rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and cyber abuse. This raises a crucial question: is the problem really the absence of laws, or the failure to implement them?
The Constitution of Bangladesh, particularly Articles 27 and 28, guarantees equality for men and women. Laws such as the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, further strengthen the legal framework. Despite this, thousands of women face violence every year, and most cases never reach the courts. Social pressure, fear, shame, and lengthy legal procedures often silence victims, while families discourage legal action in the name of "honour."
Weak law enforcement worsens the situation. Delays in filing cases, pressure for compromise, and insensitive treatment of victims discourage women from seeking justice. The slow judicial process, which can stretch for years, adds to victims' mental, social, and financial suffering.
Women's safety at workplaces and in digital spaces is another growing concern. Fear of job loss and social backlash prevents many from reporting harassment, while cyber violence continues due to poor investigation and technical limitations.
However, the core issue goes beyond laws and institutions-it lies in social attitudes that blame women rather than perpetrators. Ensuring women's safety requires strict law enforcement, fast and victim-friendly justice, accessible support services, and education that promotes equality from the family level upward. Only then can laws move beyond paper and ensure real safety for women.
Tanzila Begum Mim
Student, Faculty of Law & Land Administration
Patuakhali Science & Technology University
