Empowerment of women in Bangladesh

 Women empowerment means equal rights, opportunities and the freedom for women to make decisions in their own lives. Women are playing significant roles in each and every aspect of society of Bangladesh, including education, business, politics, health and health related issues, agriculture and information technology. Bangladesh has a quite positive impact in improving the overall status of women in recent few decades, though there are many limitations still prevailing in some aspects. Empowering women is essential in developing any country because it is not possible for a nation to move forward leaving the 50% population behind.

In the past days of Bangladesh, women were held back due to many obstacles that the society had. Most of the girls were deprived of education, the ability of working outside home, and participating in decision making processes in and outside the family. Child marriage, poverty, and lack of knowledge kept many women from realizing their dreams. Women were considered as the house-keepers or the children care-takers and this restricted them from progressing like the male gender.

Now the scenario is rapidly changing. Education is one of the greatest empowering tools for women in Bangladesh. Female children enrollment rate in schools and colleges is higher than any time in history. The free education program, scholarships, awareness raising programs are implemented throughout the country so as to ensure every female child gets education. Most families have now realized that they have the duty of educating their daughter equal to their son. Education is important for women as it will make them independent, help them to support their families and also to contribute in other aspects of the society.

Women in Bangladesh are also financially getting more independent day by day. Thousands of women are now engaged in jobs in the garment industries, banks, offices, hospitals, schools, and other establishments. Garment industries themselves provided jobs to millions of women and through this women from the lower classes were able to uplift themselves and help their family economically. Apart from the formal sectors of employment, women entrepreneurs are setting up their own small business ventures through the help of microfinance institutions, as well as through various online platforms and media. Financial independence boost a woman's confidence to a greater extent and helps them become more vocal and expressive in life decisions.

Women's political presence is another key issue of women empowerment. The first female prime minister and several ministers have been appointed to high posts of Bangladesh government, women members of parliament and elected representatives at local bodies demonstrate female presence in the political field. Increasing women’s participation in decision making processes through political means can make society more responsive and effective. It gives a platform for women to address issues relevant to them, raise awareness on women’s rights and overall social progress. Political participation of women not only ensures better representation but also gives voice to various aspects that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Technology and digital literacy is creating more opportunities for women in Bangladesh. Computer skills, freelancing, graphic design, online marketing have paved ways for many women to be earning substantial income by working from home. Social networking and internet have also become tools for women to voice out opinions, learn new skills and also connect with various professional opportunities available at both the local and the international levels. Digital literacy will help empower women as it is making them more aware, skillful and self-sufficient.

Despite the achievement, women empowerment still face various obstacles in Bangladesh. Gender discrimination persists to be a critical issue in few sectors of the society. There is evidence of child marriage, domestic violence and sexual harassment against women and girl child. In some rural communities there is still a social dogma which dictates that girls do not require higher education and they should primarily focus on marriage. In general, women receive lower pay for same work than men, and lack of physical security sometimes becomes a major concern for women. All these issues hamper women's progress towards empowerment.

There are several steps to be taken to overcome these challenges which involve both the government as well as the society. First, quality education for girls must be guaranteed in all parts of the country. Parents and guardians should be encouraged to allow girls study and pursue their desired careers and professions. Second, strict laws against child marriage, domestic violence, and harassment should be enforced and women must be provided a safe environment at their homes, schools and workplaces. Third,equal opportunities and equal remuneration must be ensured in workplaces; and appropriate training facilities and financial incentives should be provided so that they can establish themselves as productive individuals or as entrepreneurs.

Another vital step is to raise awareness about gender equality and the importance of women’s emancipation among men and women alike. Every person from child to adult, through the teachings of their elders, religion, and education imparted through the schooling system and in the mass media needs to be made aware of the need of giving girls/ women equal status as their male counterpart. Men, as primary stakeholders in society should be involved in this initiative of women's empowerment through proper advocacy and sensitization. If children are taught to respect women, many obstacles will be automatically removed.

The advancement of women not only impacts the individual but also ensures greater well being of society and nation as whole. The nation is a collective unit and the development of women is synonymous to development of the nation; as healthy and educated mothers give rise to children with similar traits and as empowered and financially sound women make stronger families. Economic growth of a nation depends significantly on its labor force participation, and this participation becomes far greater when a major segment of the population, women, are brought to work from homes and other productive ventures. Peace, fairness and an equitable society are achieved more easily when women's potential is utilized.

Bangladesh has already demonstrated to the world its progress and success towards women's empowerment through developments in various sectors. Many Bangladeshi women have become well-known doctors, engineers, teachers, pilots, pilots and other professions. The future of Bangladesh depends on this advancement and with the spirit that Bangladeshi women have always shown, the future of the nation appears to be secure.

Women empowerment is hence an indispensable factor for the development and prosperity of Bangladesh. The development achieved in this sector over the past few decades is remarkable, and still there are areas where more focus is required. Education, financial independence, political empowerment and awareness are the key elements of empowering women. Empowering women has become a responsibility for all and if women are granted equal rights, opportunities and the respect they deserve, Bangladesh will reach greater heights in the coming days.