Bangladesh is experiencing a profound moment of change, with the anti-discrimination movement, a new interim government, and accelerating climate change. Our nation is poised to enter a new era. A golden opportunity for reform in law and order, justice, government accountability, engaged and civically minded communities, and an equitable society for both women and men, has emerged.
We call on the new government to eliminate gender-based violence and advance the status of women and girls to encourage equitable economic development for people of all gender identities.
Although the former government signed onto international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it held reservation on Articles 2 and 16.1c, which articulates a commitment to eliminating institutionalised sexism and inequitable spousal rights in marital relations. The female population in Bangladesh is suffering, approximately 51 percent of females are married before the age of 18 and over half of them have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. This is a horrifying violation of their right to safety, mental well-being, and bodily autonomy.
Despite the powerful role of women and girls in the anti-discrimination movement, a majority of youth in leadership roles have been male. This is consistent with the patriarchal composition of government structures. While the interim government has consulted with a coalition of feminist civil society groups and leaders, it remains to be seen how the men in positions of authority will act. It’s time for men to become agents of change and lift up their sisters, mothers, daughters, and wives.
Now is a moment for the people’s power. We must advocate for change—a future where people from all walks of life live in an inclusive, democratic, and equitable society.
As communities across the nation grapple to address the deep challenges of past decades—high unemployment rates, rapidly escalating climate change vulnerability, and economic inequity—it will be all too easy to fall into old patterns and traps. Creating a better, more equitable future requires action by government, religious leaders and other influential social actors, as well as organisations providing social services. Women and girls need us to unify and voice our demands loud and clear.
A brighter future for Bangladesh hinges on several transformative shifts. First, a government that allocates specific, gender-centred budgets can power initiatives to advance the wellbeing of women and girls from all backgrounds. This should be complemented by an empowered civil society and community groups that work in harmony with government services, enhancing their reach and impact. Furthermore, climate adaptation strategies must acknowledge the disproportionate effects of climate change on women and girls. These strategies should focus on building resilient health and social systems while enhancing women’s control over household food, planning, and crisis management.
A commitment to transparent data collection and honest analysis of trends in gender-based discrimination, violence, and female representation in leadership is essential to track progress and address gaps. Crucially, a zero-tolerance stance on violence against women and girls must be upheld at all levels, and this shift requires women in leadership positions who are knowledgeable, empowered, and dedicated to ending gender-based violence. Alongside this, men and boys must be given opportunities and support to adopt healthier ways of managing stress and crisis without resorting to violence.
Finally, there must be a paradigm shift in the societal valuation of work, recognizing unpaid labor and promoting a fair distribution of paid and unpaid work between men and women.
Bangladesh needs a future where everyone can exercise their rights, and have the respect, support, and resources they need to enable a thriving, sustainable society and ecosystem. We must stop leaving women and girls behind. Instead, we must utilise their potential to be a force for positive evolution and innovation. Together, by uplifting and empowering every member of society, we can build a Bangladesh that is resilient, inclusive, and ready for the future.
Sohanur Rahman is the Executive Coordinator, YouthNet Global. He can be reached at [email protected]
Dr Shamima Parveen is a gender and advocacy manager, Pathfinder International, Bangladesh. She can be reached [email protected]
Views expressed in this article are the author’s own.
