Progress in women’s empowerment, but challenges remain

Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in women's empowerment, driven by a combination of government policies & activities, NGO initiatives, and the resilience of Bangladeshi women themselves.
However, further efforts are needed to address remaining challenges and ensure full gender equality, said a press release jointly issued by Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and US Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
They highlighted a complex reality faced by many women in Bangladesh. While women are indeed making significant contributions to their families and the nation's economy, they continue to face systemic barriers that limit their full enjoyment of their rights.
Bangladeshi women shoulder a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, including childcare, elder care and household chores. These works are often invisible and undervalued, yet they are essential for the functioning of families and communities.
While women are vital to sectors like the RMG industry, they often work in precarious conditions with low wages and limited control over their earnings. Even when women are involved in agricultural work, they frequently lack ownership of the land they cultivate.
Patriarchal social norms and discriminatory laws continue to restrict women's access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power. Issues like child marriage, dowry-related violence, and limited inheritance rights further undermine women's autonomy.
BPICC has called for reforming discriminatory laws and ensuring their effective enforcement, promoting gender equality through education and awareness campaigns, providing women with access to education, skills training, and financial resources.
BPICC president Shamsul Arefin Khaled said, "We have to acknowledge women's contribution as without them no society can exist. Recognition helps to build confidence and self-esteem, motivates women to continue striving for excellence and to take on new challenges."
BPICC secretary A.T.M Mostafa Kamal said millions of women are working in the ready-made garment industry, which is the dominant force in Bangladesh's export economy. Increased participation of women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including poultry and livestock, helping Bangladesh towards progress. "Women represent 40 per cent of the workforce in the poultry sector, making it possible to produce affordable protein for all".
In a separate message, nutritionist and dietician Israt Jahan said it is high time to focus on promoting healthy lifestyles for women. Ensuring adequate protein intake, including sources like egg, milk, meat, fish, soy and other plant proteins like legumes, nuts, seeds, etc. can support women's overall well-being throughout their lives.