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Empowerment of Women
Measures
taken by the Government of
For
the establishment of the rights of women,
It was in the year 1995. A prestigious gathering of several thousand women from 190 countries representing all the five continents was taking place at the ‘Great Hall of the People’ in Beijing, the capital of China. This was an assemblage of women of different complexions, languages, clothes, ages and professions. They gathered there to discuss a unified programme for women. Women are not merely women, they are human beings first. The liberation of women implies the liberation of mankind. The rights of women signify the rights of all humanity. When the Beijing Conference was raising the slogan ‘All kinds of discrimination against women should be removed’, in another corner of the world, at the same time, a young girl of Dinajpur- Yasmin- was raped and murdered by a policeman. When thousands of men and women protested this act of barbarity, they were fired upon, lathi-charged and arrested. It is strange that all this happened at the orders of a woman- and that woman was none but the Prime Minister at that time- Begum Khaleda Zia. When a world conference for the rights of women was being held in Beijing, Khaleda Zia was giving orders to fire upon those protesting the death of Yasmin.
That
misrule came to an end soon. A new era began on June 12, 1996 after a fair
election was held under the supervision of a non-partisan caretaker
government. A new period of national reconstruction was initiated. Years of socio-economic and political misrule, of religious fanaticism and superstition had held half the population of Bangladesh- women- in bondage. The new government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina now opened new doors of opportunity for women.
The
possibilities of a new life and new opportunities for women were first
envisaged when Bangladesh came into being in 1971. The Father of the
Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had pledged to uproot the
exploitative, medieval ideology of the Pakistani rulers and establish a
nation which would not discriminate against women and against religious
minorities. His vision was to establish a new state on the principles of
secularism, socialism, democracy and nationalism. This vision was
shattered when Bangabandhu-along with most members of his family- was
brutally murdered on August 15, 1975. For 21 years, the path of progress
was blocked, the nation enveloped in the darkness of misrule. Finally,
when the daughter of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina, assumed power on June 23,
1996, the darkness lifted and once again the task of realizing he
unfulfilled goals of Bangabandhu were taken up in right earnest. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken up numerous programmes for the welfare and development of women. These initiatives have had a profound impact on our individual lives, on society and our political culture, and on the overall policy and planning of the government.
The
Beginnings : After Independence It is needless to state that there is a strong connection between the policies and steps undertaken by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and steps for the establishment of women’s rights taken up by Sheikh Hasina. In 1972, the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was adopted in the National Assembly. The Constitution ensured the Rule of Law, fundamental human rights, and guarantees for social and political equality and justice. In addition, Articles 10 and 11 of the Second Part, and 28 of the Third Part of the Constitution, guarantee ‘the participation of women in all spheres of national life … respect for dignity and worth of all human beings… and the equal rights of men and women in all spheres of state and national life.’
The
constitutional guarantee of the rights of women has far-reaching
consequences. The government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had
taken significant measures to implement some of these constitutional
guarantees. Some highlights are given below :
Women and Autocracy In 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was murdered along with most members of his family. The murder of Mujib was not simply the murder of one man. It struck at the foundations of our independence, our freedom, democracy, basic human rights and against fundamental human dignity. The Constitution of the nation, the principle of democracy, and the rights and dignity of women were trampled upon by the military rulers who took over in 1975. The nation reverted to medieval religious fundamentalism, and the darkness of communal politics. All programmes for the development of women and progressive national reconstruction initiated by Bangabandhu were halted. The black phase of misrule that began with the killing of Bangabandhu- along with others, his wife Begum Fajilatunnesa Mujib, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal, Rosy Jamal and others- continued for 21 long years. The Rule of Law, protection of the dignity and honour of women, social stability, were all flouted with impunity. Rape, oppression, acid-throwing, murder, and women trafficking, became regular phenomena. Even children became the victims of rape. Sexual scandals and sexual misconduct of many powerful individuals made a mockery of all social norms and values of civilized behavior. Autocracy gave birth to an all-pervasive destruction of values. The mass-upsurge of 1990 brought the military rule of Ershad to an end. Begum Khaleda Zia came to power and hopes were raised that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government would usher in an era of democratic rule. When Khaleda Zia assumed power as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the women of Bangladesh naturally expected a lot from her. It was hoped that all forms of oppression against women, social discrimination and neglect, would finally come to an end. But these hopes were dashed as BNP unleashed a rule of tyranny and discrimination similar to that of Ershad regime. As a consequence of Begum Zia’s incompetence and indifference, injustice against women, oppression and misrule became all – pervasive. A new era of oppression against women and tyrannical rule began with the elected government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Hundreds of girls like Yasmin and women- even elderly ones- were harassed, raped and victimized in their work-places, and on board trains and launches. During the BNP era, thousands of women became homeless because of fatwas issued against them, many lost their children and husbands. In Maulvibazar, a young girl, Nurjahan, was buried up to her chest, and stoned to death, on a false charge. Women were tortured and raped even while in supposed safe custody of the police, and while in prison. Hundreds of poor and helpless women were smuggled into India, Pakistan and the Middle East and forced to work as prostitutes. Women were discriminated against in political-administrative spheres. A woman herself, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia did not hesitate to unleash police brutality on Jahanara Imam, the mother of a freedom fighter. Well-know poet Begum Sufia Kamal, a pioneer of our feminist movement, was also insulted and humiliated. During Khaleda Zia’s rule women were excluded from appointment to higher government posts, and from opportunities in the fields of education, culture and administration. Under these circumstances, the people of Bangladesh rose up against the misrule of Khaleda Zia in 1996. Thousands of women stood side by side with men in the Janatar Mancha (People’s Stage) erected near the Secretariat. The joint struggle and sacrifice of both men and women forced the fall of the ‘elected authoritarian.’ Thus, the misrule of Khaleda Zia come to an end, and finally the Awami League came to power through a fair and free election held on June 12, 1996, under a neutral and non-partisan caretaker government. After 21 long years, once again the Awami League got an opportunity to serve the people, and a new horizon of hope opened up for the women of Bangladesh.
The
Awami League Government and the Empowerment of Women Soon after coming to power, Sheikh Hasina took steps to implement her election pledges, and the completion of the work of national reconstruction which was sated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Subsequently, taking into consideration the reality of the 21st century world and the principles of our Constitution, she adopted revolutionary measures for the empowerment and development of women. Some of these measures are given below:
National
Policy for the Development of Women Previous governments had no clear-cut policies regarding the development of women, but Sheikh Hasina’s government adopted comprehensive policies to correct the situation. On March 8, 1997, on the occasion of World Women’s Day, Sheikh Hasina announced the National Policy for the Development of Women. This policy anticipated a principle of equality between men and women in all state and national affairs, establishment of the rights of women, elimination of all discrimination, abolition of oppression against women, greater opportunities for education, eradication of poverty of women, employment and empowerment of women, greater dignity and security in the workplace, maternity benefits, and projection of women through the mass media.
National
Programmes for the Development of Women National programmes for the development of women were adopted approved in 1997 following the Beijing Platform for Action. The present government has adopted measures to include women in the mainstream of all developmental efforts through the policies and programmes of all ministries and government organizations.
National Council for the Development of Women A National Council for the Development of Women was formed with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as its President and 44 other members, for the implementation and supervision of developmental programmes for women. This Council ensures the participation of women in various socio-economic development programmes by formulating and coordinating the development programmes of different Ministries, departments and organizations.
Women
in the Decision-making Process Steps have been taken to include women in the process of policy formulation and decision-making. There are monitoring committees in the various sectors and agencies of different ministries, in addition to executive committee and women’s representation in local government bodies.
Appointment
of Women to Higher Positions in the Government For the First time in the history of Bangladesh, a few women were given high appointments in the government. A 10 percent quota for appointment of women to high positions was implemented.
Participation
of Women in Politics At present, some women occupy important positions in different political parties, though the number is not high. It is now increasing with the increased awareness of both men and women. The National Assembly has a quota of 30 reserved seats for women, in addition to the 300 elected members. Efforts have been made by the Awami League and the Government to renew the provision of reservation of seats for women MPs in the Parliament. Since this is a Constitutional issue, the cooperation of the opposition has been solicited, but the BNP does not appear to be interested at all. In other words, the BNP and other opposition lawmakers are in fact, sanding against the development of women’s rights.
Women
in Local Government A landmark achievement since 1996 has been the promulgation of the Local Government Act. This Act ensures the direct election of women to one-third seats in Union Councils and Municipalities. Since 1997, 12,828 women members were directly elected Chairmen/members of Union councils and are now playing an important role in local government bodies. This has been a revolutionary step in the empowerment of women at the grassroots level.
Act
related to the Oppression of Women and Children In 2000, the Parliament adopted a law aimed at stopping oppression against women and children. This Act is now being revised to make it more effective.
Tyranny
against Women Tyranny against women is a human and social problem. In addition to political and social terrorism, the chauvinistic attitude of men and religious fundamentalism continue to be major causes of tyranny against women. However, incidence of sexual crime against women has diminished. There is an increased awareness against acid-throwing and trafficking of women and children. Various steps have been undertaken to eliminate different forms of tyranny against women.
Use
of the Maternal Name along with the Paternal Name In matters relating to the identity of a person in government service, schools, colleges, passports, and so on, the inclusion of the name of the mother, as well as the father, has now been made compulsory.
Pension
for the widows The government is now providing pension for poor rural widows and women deserted by their husbands. Five women from every Ward of a Union Council are receiving Taka 100/- each every month.
Old-age
Pension The government has also introduced pensions for old men and women. Five men and five women over 60 from every ward receive monthly pensions of Taka 100/-.
Women
in the Armed Forces The government has approved the appointment of women to the armed forces. The first batch of women army officers has already been recruited. This is a significant step towards the elimination of gender discrimination. Women have also been appointed to senior positions in the police.
Secretariat For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, a woman has been appointed as Secretary to a Ministry. Now there are two women Secretaries in the government.
Direct
Appointment as Joint-Secretary An Act relating to the direct appointment of women as Joint-Secretaries to the government in an important step towards the empowerment of women. At present 5 women have been appointed as Joint-Secretaries to the government.
Women
Judges A woman has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court for the first time in Bangladesh. This will greatly add to the empowerment of women.
Raising
Awareness for the Development of Women By observing the World Women’s Day, Village Women’s Day, Daughter-Child Day, and Rokeya Day in villages an towns, the government is raising awareness of women’s rights and opportunities, and about the significance of these occasions.
Steps taken for the Employment of Women
Opportunities
for Working Women In Dhaka city there are 7 day-care centres. In Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet, there are 5 day-care centres. These day-care centres look after the children of low-income working women. Besides, there are also day-care centres in the Secretariat, AGB, Directorate of Women’s Affairs and a day-care centre for the working women of Azimpur in Dhaka city. Hostels for working women are being constructed one at Mirpur and one at Khilgaon. A decision has been taken to construct a separate hostel for garment workers, and the process has already been started.
Cell
for the Prevention of Oppression against Women A Cell to provide legal help and advice to oppressed women has been established. The Cell is now operative in 136 thanas of 22 districts throughout the country.
Rehabilitation
Centre for Women A rehabilitation centre for oppressed women has been established. Abused women can take refuge in this centre.
International Bangladesh has played a positive role in uplifting the status of women throughout the world. In 1995, Bangladesh joined 190 member-nations of the United Nations (UN) to make a pledge to work towards the development of women. National programmes have been announced to implement the Beijing Platform for Action. Bangladesh has signed the ‘optional protocol’ for the implementation of the SID motto of the UN.
Conclusion Mankind has just stepped into a new millennium that will perhaps witness the triumph of women. The world over, tyranny and discrimination against women will be resized, and an era of equality between the sexes ushered in. In Bangladesh, new doors of opportunity for women have been opened up by Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She has laid the foundations for an equal and just society in Bangladesh, a society dreamed of by Begum Rokeya, Pritilata Waddedar, Begum Sufia Kamal and many others. In Bangladesh, thousands of women can now hold their heads high with courage, dignity and honour. On the other hand, evil forces of reaction and fundamentalism have emerged from the dark caves of hatred, superstition and ignorance, and renewed their activities against the emancipation of women. They have denounced the High Court verdict against fatwas, and declared the Judge who passed the verdict as murtad (enemy of Islam). These forces of blind religious fanaticism have committed murders in mosques, uprooted railway tracks killing innocent men and women, transformed mosques and madrasas into arsenals, and unleashed a reign of terror, arson and murder. They are steadfastly opposed to the development of women, and are now part of a 4-party alliance of which BNP is the leading member. It is unbelievable, how as a woman, Begum Khaleda Zia can join forces with Golam Azam and others who are known as murderers, women-haters, supporters of fatwas against women - and above all – as one who opposed the Liberation of Bangladesh itself. If these forces manage somehow to come to power, the nation will plunge once again into medieval darkness and barbarity. All that we have achieved so far in advancing the rights of women will be lost. To stop that from happening, we must unite again to protect our rights, to keep uninterrupted the torch of enlightenment. Sheikh Hasina must be given a mandate to serve the nation once again. This is absolutely necessary if we want to ensure the fundamental rights of women. If we want to exist as a civilized, cultured, democratic and strong nation, the only way to do it is by strengthening and developing the women of Bangladesh. Only the combined efforts of men and women can achieve it.
Source : Empowerment of Women Published by Bangladesh Awami League Election Steering Committee 2001. |
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