Wednesday | 22 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Wednesday | 22 January 2025 | Epaper

Challenges women face everyday

Published : Monday, 18 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 471
MD ANISUR RAHMAN
In the socioeconomic fabric of Bangladesh, women wield considerable influence both within the four walls of their homes and in broader societal spheres. Regrettably, their invaluable contributions often go unnoticed or unacknowledged, bereft of the recognition they rightfully deserve. Despite their significant contributions and active involvement in various social and economic domains, the present state of women remains obstinately unchanged. At every turn, women encounter numerous obstacles hindering their path towards advancement and societal empowerment.

Kazi Nazrul Islam, the revered national poet of Bangladesh, in his timeless verses eloquently articulated that "Everything that is great in the world, All the works, beneficial and good, Half must be credited to woman, And to man half only we should." This powerful sentiment encapsulates the essence of gender equality, underscoring the shared contributions of men and women in shaping history, culture, and progress. However, the socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh presents a starkly different reality for women. Despite Nazrul Islams visionary words, women continue to face different kinds of challenges and obstacles at every turn, from the workplace to the home and within society at large.

One of the most pressing issues faced by women in Bangladesh is the struggle to balance career and family responsibilities. For working mothers, in particular, the juggling act of managing work commitments alongside household duties and childcare can be overwhelming. Despite their resilience and determination, many women find themselves caught in a cycle of stress and exhaustion as they strive to excel both in their professional careers and in their roles within the household.

In Bangladeshs garment industry, which serves as a cornerstone of the nations economy, women form the backbone of production. They work tirelessly in factories, often enduring grueling hours and hazardous conditions to produce garments for the global market. Despite their vital contributions, many women in the garment industry face meager wages, limited access to healthcare and safety measures, and a lack of job security. The challenges they endure highlight the urgent need for reforms to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and greater opportunities for advancement within the industry.

Beyond the workplace, women in Bangladesh also face significant challenges within their homes. Despite shouldering the burden of domestic responsibilities, their work is often undervalued and dismissed as unpaid labor. This perpetuates a cycle of economic dependence and reinforces gender inequality within households and communities.

In the context of Bangladesh, a father with three or four daughters, facing financial instability, often finds himself in a distressing predicament. Unable to afford basic necessities, such as proper food and healthcare, he grapples with the burden of providing for his family. In such dire circumstances, the idea of sending his daughters to school becomes a distant dream, overshadowed by the pressing need to make ends meet.

As his daughters grow into adulthood, the fathers worries only intensify. The weight of financial strain coupled with cultural obligations places an immense emotional and psychological toll on the father. Despite his best efforts to secure a brighter future for his daughters, the reality of his financial predicament perpetuates a cycle of hardship and anguish. In this heartbreaking scenario, the fathers suffering knows no bounds. His inability to provide for his daughters education and well-being, compounded by the daunting prospect of arranging dowries, reflects the harsh realities faced by many families in Bangladesh.
    
Besides, societal norms and cultural expectations further compound the challenges faced by Bangladeshi women.

 Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and traditional gender roles limit womens autonomy and agency, restricting their access to education, economic opportunities, and decision-making processes. As a result, women are often marginalized and excluded from positions of power and influence within society.

In addition to these systemic challenges, women in Bangladesh also confront various forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. Domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and dowry-related violence are prevalent issues that continue to impact the lives of countless women across the nation. Fear of stigma, lack of support, and ineffective implementation of laws further exacerbate the problem, leaving many women vulnerable and voiceless in the face of abuse and injustice.

In the face of substantial challenges, women in Bangladesh persistently defy the formidable odds, unwaveringly pursuing a future illuminated with promise. Their remarkable resilience, formidable strength, and unwavering determination stand as a compelling testament to the indomitable spirit inherent in the human soul. Through their tenacity, these women not only navigate adversities but also emerge as beacons of inspiration, instilling hope and catalyzing transformative change within their communities and extending their influence beyond.

The current administration, under the esteemed leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is undertaking crucial initiatives surpassing those of any previous government. Notably, there has been a marked increase in female education, empowerment, and participation in activities outside the home. However, entrenched social misconceptions still pose significant barriers. Its imperative to recognize that the government cannot effect change single-handedly; rather, it necessitates unified efforts from all sectors of society to bring about meaningful progress.

It is expected that by addressing issues such as workplace discrimination, access to education, and gender-based violence, Bangladesh can unlock the full potential of its women, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

The writer is an Assistant Professor of English, Principal Kazi Faruky College, Lakshmipur



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