An analysis into women's past, present and future
PARVEZ BABUL | Source : Daily Observer, 11 March 2025
March 8, 2025, marked the celebration of International Women's Day, a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women across the globe and advocating for gender equality, empowerment, and the rights of all women and girls. This year's theme-For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment-highlights the urgent need for global action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all. Central to this vision is the focus on empowering youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls, as catalysts for lasting social change.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of achieving gender equality, notably through Goal 5: Gender Equality. This goal aims to empower women and girls to take control of their bodies, lives, and futures. Empowerment is crucial for addressing some of the world's most pressing social and environmental crises. Despite significant global efforts, gender inequality remains a prevalent issue. Not a single country has yet achieved full equality, and gender-based injustices and crimes continue to undermine progress. These challenges are not isolated to one sector-they are intricately linked with all other SDGs. Therefore, achieving gender equality is key to solving many of the world's most critical problems.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework for advancing women's rights and gender equality globally. Adopted in 1995, the Declaration has served as a guiding path for policymakers and advocates alike. However, three decades later, the goal of gender equality remains elusive for many. It is imperative to reflect on the progress made and acknowledge the work that remains to ensure gender equality for all.
The Beijing Declaration, which laid out a roadmap for women's empowerment in various spheres-health, education, politics, economics, and more-remains a critical tool for advancing the rights of women and girls. Yet, many challenges remain in addressing disparities and ensuring that women have access to opportunities that foster equality and empowerment.
Historically, women in ancient societies were often relegated to subordinate roles, and their lives were shaped by societal structures dominated by patriarchal systems. Across cultures and civilizations, women were frequently excluded from positions of political and social power. They were often denied the right to vote, hold government positions, or participate in public life. Women were expected to submit to the authority of their fathers, husbands, or sons and lived according to the constraints of patriarchal traditions.
In Bangladesh, issues such as child marriage, dowry practices, and gender-based violence severely hinder women's social mobility and economic advancement. A 2024 survey revealed that intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a widespread problem, with nearly 70 percent of women experiencing at least one form of IPV in their lifetime. More than half of these women have suffered physical or sexual violence from their husbands. These statistics underscore the harsh reality that violence against women and girls continues to be a significant issue in the country.
In recent months, Bangladesh has witnessed disturbing incidents of mob justice and moral policing against women and children. These cases of violence, including rape and murder, have sparked public outcry and calls for swift justice. Many analysts have expressed concern over the growing vulnerability of women, and experts agree that it is crucial to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that laws protecting women are enforced.
To address the deep-rooted inequalities faced by women, experts have put forth several recommendations. Professor Ferdous Akter from the University of Rajshahi stresses the need for human-friendly law enforcement and the establishment of efficient, speedy justice systems to address incidents of violence against women. Educational institutions must also play an active role in fostering self-defense skills among young women and girls, alongside promoting the principles of equality and empowerment.
In the workforce, the gender gap remains a significant challenge. According to the World Economic Forum's 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, with a significant 88 percent gap between men and women in managerial roles. In Bangladesh, while 82 percent of men are part of the workforce, only 36 percent of women participate in the labor force. Closing this gap is essential for achieving economic equality and empowering women.
Dr Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), emphasizes that achieving gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but also crucial for building stronger communities and resilient economies. Gender equality boosts economies, strengthens societies, and ensures resilience to future challenges.
The future of women and girls holds both promise and challenges. While there is significant progress being made globally in terms of gender equality, the road ahead is long and filled with obstacles. From the persistent violence against women to the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, much work remains to be done. However, by continuing to advocate for women's rights, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and dismantling harmful cultural practices, we can work towards a more just and equitable world for all women and girls.
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, let us renew our commitment to achieving gender equality and creating a feminist future where no woman or girl is left behind. Together, we can empower the next generation of women and girls to drive lasting change for themselves, their communities, and the world.
The writer is a Feminist Foreign Policy Fellow ofImpact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), and Asia Foundation