Let’s ensure no one is left behind

One of the defining features of the Monsoon Revolution 2024 was the remarkable participation of young women and female students.

While many male counterparts—particularly those in leadership roles—were either forcibly detained by the fallen regime’s security forces or forced into hiding, it was the young women of Gen Z who took to the streets in large numbers.

Their involvement, both as movement organizers and frontline activists, played a crucial role in driving the July Uprising to its success. Their courage also inspired many hesitant youths—both male and female—to step forward and join the movement, ultimately giving rise to the historic July 36.

Now that the long era of misrule is behind us, the nation aspires to build a society free from gender-based discrimination, where inclusivity is not compromised for any reason.

However, on this International Women’s Day, we are deeply troubled by the continued harassment that our mothers and sisters face in public spaces.

In a post-July Revolution Bangladesh, no woman should have to justify her choice of attire. Yet, we are witnessing a disturbing resurgence of moral policing, with individuals roaming the streets, using their hypocritical interpretations of morality to control women’s freedom of movement and civil liberties.

Rather than restraining their own prejudiced gaze, some have taken it upon themselves to impose restrictions on women’s presence in public spaces.

Women in Bangladesh have fought hard for their place in society, working alongside men, contributing to the national economy, and shaping the future of the country. From microcredit empowerment to employment in the ready-made garments sector, various efforts have helped integrate women into mainstream economic activities.

Successive governments have made commendable strides in promoting free and compulsory education for girls, investing in their health and well-being, and ensuring their participation in national politics, business, and other key sectors.

Women make up half of Bangladesh’s population—progress is impossible if they are left behind. Yet, there is still a long way to go before we can claim true gender equality.

In higher education, there is only one female student for every two male students enrolled at universities. While the number of women in government jobs is increasing, they still represent less than 30% of the total workforce, with even fewer in higher-ranking positions.

To bridge this gap, we must take deliberate action. Change will not come automatically.

First and foremost, we must foster an environment where women have the fundamental right to move freely, both indoors and outdoors, and dress as they choose without fear of harassment.

Women’s rights are facing unprecedented threats, with rising discrimination and weakened legal protections. Bangladesh must rebuild and strengthen institutions that support and safeguard women’s rights.

Law enforcement, for example, must be reoriented to understand its duty—not to bow to misogynistic pressures, but to protect women in distress. Educational institutions, legal frameworks, and social systems must all work together to uphold women’s freedom.

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres aptly states:

"When women and girls can rise, we all thrive. Yet, globally, women’s human rights are under attack. Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny. Together, we must stand firm in making human rights, equality, and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere."

At this pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, the best course of action for the transitional government is to stand firmly in support of women’s rights.

With reports of women facing harassment on the streets, there must be a strong and unequivocal display of support from the government of Professor Muhammad Yunus for the freedom and dignity of women in Bangladesh—women who have contributed so much to the nation’s progress.