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Rewriting the Age-Old Narrative: The Road to Equality Starts with Changing Social Perceptions

At a recent roundtable titled “Empowering Women: Driving Equality for a Sustainable Future,” organised by The Financial Express in Dhaka, experts emphasised that achieving gender equality in Bangladesh requires a fundamental shift in societal mindset. The event, held on February 25, 2025, highlighted the persistent biases and structural barriers that hinder women’s empowerment and called for comprehensive policy reforms and collaborative efforts to bridge gender gaps across various sectors.

Deep-Rooted Biases Impede Progress

Dr. Halida Hanum Akhtar, a member of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission and chief guest at the event, urged women to assert their rights without seeking societal favors. She stated, “Women should not beg for favours from society or the country.”

Her remarks underscore the deep-seated biases prevalent in Bangladeshi society. A study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that over 99% of Bangladeshis hold at least one bias against women, with 69% believing that men make better political leaders and 88% thinking that men are more capable business executives.

Policy Reforms and Collaborative Efforts

Speakers at the roundtable emphasised the necessity of policy reforms and collaborative initiatives to address these biases and promote gender equality. They highlighted that despite progress in areas like political empowerment—Bangladesh ranks seventh globally with a commendable gender parity rate of 55.2%—significant gaps remain in economic participation and access to resources.

Data from the 2022 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) indicates that women’s labor force participation stands at 42.5%, significantly lower than men’s at 81.3%. Moreover, women face higher unemployment rates (5.9%) compared to men (2.8%).

Societal Mindset: A Barrier to Empowerment

The roundtable discussions highlighted that societal attitudes and cultural norms often restrict women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. These entrenched beliefs not only limit women’s potential but also impede the nation’s overall development.

For instance, while Bangladesh has achieved gender parity in primary and secondary education, the quality of education and retention rates for girls remain concerns. Additionally, women predominantly occupy informal sector jobs, leading to economic insecurity and limited access to social protections.

Call to Action 

To foster a more equitable society, the speakers called for:

  • Educational Reforms: Implementing curricula that challenge traditional gender roles and promote equality.

  • Economic Opportunities: Creating pathways for women to enter diverse and formal sectors of the economy.

  • Legal Protections: Strengthening laws against gender-based violence and ensuring their effective enforcement.

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Engaging both men and women in dialogues to shift perceptions and dismantle harmful stereotypes.

The consensus was clear: achieving gender equality in Bangladesh is not solely a women’s issue but a societal imperative. Transforming mindsets, alongside implementing robust policies, is crucial for creating an environment where both women and men can thrive equally.

Source: The Financial Express

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