Women empowerment: Bangladesh perspective

Women's empowerment has moved forward significantly in Bangladesh over the past few years. It has resulted in remarkable changes in many sectors of our society. Our womenfolk have become a key factor in the nation's development. However, there are still some substantial challenges in the path of our women's rights and empowerment. One such challenge is gender-based violence. We often come across a number of cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment and dowry related issues from across the country. Many women face physical and emotional abuse on a daily-basis within their own homes. Efforts have been made to combat these issues but there is always a need for constant awareness campaigns and strict law enforcement against these incidents.
Access to education is another crucial aspect of women empowerment. While measures have been taken to improve female literacy rates, there are still rural areas where girls face barriers to education, cultural biases, child marriage, early pregnancy, etc. Empowering women with education will not only enhance their individual skills but also contribute to the overall development of the nation. Economic development also gets hindered due to obstacles women face in accessing employment opportunities and face wage disparities compared to their male colleagues. Entrepreneurship among women is also constrained due to limited access to credit and resources. Encouraging women in participating workforces and providing support to female leaders can contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction.
To address these issues, we must create a multi-dimensional approach, including legal reforms, awareness campaigns and community engagement. Moreover, fostering partnerships between government agencies, nonprofit organisations and the private sector can amplify the impact of initiatives aimed to empower women. Women's empowerment issues in Bangladesh are multifaceted and need concreted efforts from all sectors of society. By eliminating gender-based violence, promoting female education, enhancing economic opportunities and increasing political representation, Bangladesh can build a more inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive and contribute to the nation's overall progress.

Mahira Rahman Raisa,
Student of North South University, Dhaka,
[email protected]