Women in Rangpur are breaking barriers and making remarkable progress in education, professional fields, entrepreneurship and social leadership, bringing Begum Rokeya’s century-old vision for women closer to reality.
Rokeya dreamed of a society where women enjoy dignity, education and the freedom to advance independently and that dream is steadily taking shape in the northern region.
In education, the participation of girls in schools and colleges in Rangpur is higher than ever before and their performance at the university level is increasingly promising.
Tuhin Wadud, a lecturer of Bengali department at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, noted that the vision of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain for women has largely been fulfilled, as evidenced by the establishment of a university bearing her name. Across various departments, female students are outperforming their male counterparts, demonstrating both talent and merit. While social barriers have historically limited women’s interest in higher education, experts believe this challenge will diminish over time.
Economic opportunities are also expanding for women. Supported by local NGOs and government initiatives, many women are emerging as small entrepreneurs in rural areas, engaging in handicrafts, boutique businesses, agriculture and online ventures.
In many households, women’s income has become a vital source of financial support. Mahmuda Sharifa, director of Rangpur Women’s Chamber of Commerce, said, “Women have advanced in many areas. Where they once had no decision-making power, today they actively contribute to family and business decisions. Families now give women greater respect, enabling them to work confidently in the public and economic spheres. Challenges remain, but the situation is improving.”
Women in Rangpur are also excelling professionally. Doctors, teachers, lawyers, journalists, police officers and bank officials have earned recognition for their skills and leadership, competing on par with men.
Gangachhara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jessmin Akter said, “Being women has not reduced the challenges we face. Success comes through merit, and we have reached our positions by proving our capabilities. Rokeya’s dream was for women to contribute to nation-building and today’s achievements reflect that vision.”
Social and familial constraints have not entirely disappeared and many women still face the dual pressures of work and family.
However, awareness in families and communities is gradually changing the landscape. Legal aid organizations are playing a key role in supporting women against abuse.
Talma Pradhan, senior judicial magistrate and official at Rangpur District Legal Aid, said, “To empower women, we must support them. Legal Aid works as a driving force for survivors, providing comprehensive assistance and ensuring they are not left behind.”
Rummana Jaman, general secretary of Rangpur branch of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, said, “Begum Rokeya’s vision of equality, opportunity and dignity for women is reflected in the progress of women in Rangpur.”
Analysts note that the advancement of women in Rangpur is not just a regional achievement; it symbolizes national progress.
Breaking societal taboos and changing mindsets, they argue, is essential for women’s emancipation not just in northern Bangladesh, but globally.
Researcher Nurunnabi Shanto said, “Historically, women’s status has varied across regions and eras, but patriarchal attitudes persist. True liberation for women requires changing societal mindsets, including perceptions of property, authority and equality.”
With continued support in education, technology and entrepreneurship, experts believe the realization of Begum Rokeya’s vision of a gender-equal society in northern Bangladesh is no longer a distant dream, but a visible reality.
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