An incredible scale of patriotism demonstrated by Gen-Z females during the recent mass uprising in Bangladesh took many by surprise. Though both male and female students led from the front the protests amazingly, females' roles were what most people didn't anticipate to appear in such an intrepid, bold form.
We have seen female university students standing in front of large police vans to protest the illegal arrests of their friends. The girls with guts chanted slogans against a regime they perceived as dictatorial that had snatched citizens' voting rights during the last 15 years in Bangladesh.
The role of these young women during the July-August 2024 protests marked a defining moment in the country's history. It would remain an eloquent case against gender inequality in the world at large.
After the fall of the Hasina government, students have not given up their efforts-- they took to the streets to keep the country's traffic system under control in absence of police for a few days when Bangladesh was running without a government.
Why only female students, their mothers and female teachers' involvement in the uprising was as pivotal as that of their male counterparts! In many instances, we saw female teachers' role more visible and impactful than that of the male teachers.
While visiting the Dhaka University campus on August 3, 2024, I found a young protester standing alone, writing on a pillar, demanding the release of her peers arrested during the protests. She was nonchalant even while police in riot gear approaching--a veritable symbol of resilience and defiance.
Such contribution of female students is not unprecedented in Bangladesh, though. During the 1971 Liberation War, we found similar courageous roles. Yet, after 53 years, many did not expect to see such activism and patriotism again. In an era where digital distractions and social media seem to dominate youth culture, they have not proved futile discharging duties for the greater nation.
However, there is a flipside. When the crisis subsides, women's roles and sacrifices often sink into oblivion. On August 8, 2024, Bangladesh formed a new government, led by Dr Yunus. Though the victory was an achievement of collective efforts from both female and male students, alongside the broader population, the interim government's cabinet has not inducted any female students. Two of the student-movement leaders were appointed advisers to key ministries-both are men.
This obvious exclusion highlights a persistent issue: though women contribute equally, in some cases or more, their representation in leadership remains disproportionately low.
Not only in Bangladesh, the mindset around women in leadership roles has not evolved in this region. Sacrifices of women are mostly taken for granted, both within the family and in government structures.
From unpaid caregiving to enduring gender-based violence, women continue to bear the brunt of societal injustices. Rape, domestic violence, early marriage, and dowry-related abuse have sharply increased in Bangladesh notwithstanding activity by human- rights and other organisations. Gender inequality remains obscure here though two of the previous heads of Bangladesh were female.
Justice remains elusive for the women while they are raising voice against lawlessness. The situation has not improved much. The recent brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in India serves as a stark reminder of how society still views women in this region.
Yet nothing seems to discourage women. They continue to fight against the odds and ordeals. Women sense the changes happening within themselves-their mindset, their resilience, and their contributions to their nations, even if state machinery and society refuse to acknowledge them.
They do not have any common platform but the media. It is crucial for both local and international media to unite in amplifying their voices to foster societal and political norms. Such a move may not fully eradicate gender discrimination, but tame it. Increasing women's representation in leadership positions is essential to achieving gender equality in policy-making and its effective implementation.
Historically, the media have played a pivotal role in challenging these injustices. Journalists continue to be an indispensable force for driving change in the fight for equality. The effort of Bangladesh could be expedited to promote the relevant SDG in the UN-designated sustainable development goals or SDGs in relation to gender parity.
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