The Women's Affairs Reform Commission recommends direct voting for 300 reserved seats

Women Affairs Reform Commission Proposes Direct Voting for Reserved Seats and Legal Reforms

• The Women Affairs Reform Commission is set to propose direct voting for 300 reserved parliamentary seats for women.

• In light of this, the commission is recommending an increase in the total number of seats to 600.

Key Recommendations:

1. Legal Reforms:

   • Amend discriminatory laws affecting women.

   • Major reforms proposed in family laws to ensure equal rights for women across all religions in inheritance, child custody, marriage, and divorce.

   • Withdrawal of reservations on CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Articles 2 and 16.1(c).

2. Political Representation:

   • Political parties failing to ensure 33% female representation at all levels by 2030 (as per the Representation of the People Order - RPO) could be declared ineligible to contest elections.

   • Election of committee members in political parties, including both men and women, should be mandatory.

3. Women’s Rights & Welfare:

   • Six months’ maternity leave for all working women, including in private firms and garment factories.

   • Establishment of day-care centers in both government and private organizations.

   • Formation of a Women’s Rights Commission.

   • Revocation of the provision allowing marriage of girls below 18 years.

Implementation Timeline:

• Recommendations will be categorized into short-term, mid-term, and long-term reforms.

• Short-term: To be implemented by the interim government.

• Mid-term: For the next elected government.

• Long-term: Aimed at achieving women's empowerment and rights in line with global standards.

Commission Status & Members:

• The Women Affairs Reform Commission is one of 11 reform commissions formed by the interim government.

• The commission was initially scheduled to submit its report on March 30, but the deadline has been extended to April 30.

• Chairperson: Shireen Parveen Haque.

• Members include experts from governance, law, labor rights, women’s rights, and social development sectors.

Shireen Parveen Haque emphasized that the interim government is in a unique position to implement reforms as it is not dependent on electoral votes. The recommendations are expected to significantly improve the legal, political, and social standing of women in Bangladesh.