Women Empowerment

The equal contribution of men and women behind the unimaginable success of civilization is undeniable. The development of society cannot be imagined through the sole participation of men excluding women. But women have been neglected and exploited for ages. In a patriarchal society, women are being deprived of their rights due to social prejudice, religious orthodoxy, oppression and discrimination. Women are increasingly being deprived of opportunities to develop and showcase their talents. It is possible to ensure the empowerment of women all over the world, irrespective of society and state, by giving full dignity to women, transforming their talents and labor into energy and implementing their self-reliance.

★Women's Empowerment:

Women's empowerment in the broadest sense refers to the development of a woman's individuality, self-sufficiency and above all self-sufficiency. The empowerment of women is to eliminate inequality and inequality between men and women and to establish women on an equal footing with men. In order to empower women, women must be given the opportunity to develop their power. Gender equality must be established in all spheres of family, social and state and women must be turned into educated and skilled human resources. The empowerment of women will be ensured only if the contribution of women in the society and economy is properly evaluated and their oppression is prevented.

★The position of women in the constitution:

The constitution of Bangladesh has ensured the proper position of women. Various articles have been inserted in the constitution for the purpose of protecting women's rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 19 states that "the state shall ensure the participation and opportunities of women in all spheres of national life." Article 27 states that "all citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law." Article 26 (1), 26 (2), 26 (3), 26 (4), 29 (1), 29 (2) also provides for equal rights for all, irrespective of gender, religion or caste. Section 65 (3) reserves seats for women in the National Assembly and under this section women can be represented in local government bodies.

★Women in the context of the world:

The issue of women's empowerment in the western world is the first response. And the United Nations came forward to make this empowerment successful. The United Nations declared 1975 as the 'World Year of Women' and 1985-1975 as the Women's Decade for the purpose of state, social, political and economic development and empowerment of women. The first, second, third and fourth world women's conferences were held in Mexico in 1985, in Copenhagen in 1980, in Nairobi in 1985, and in Beijing in 1995, respectively. In developed countries such as America, Britain, Canada, Japan, etc., women are experts in all fields.

★Women in the context of Bangladesh:

Women are discriminated against because of the socio-economic context of Bangladesh. However, it is also true that in the bright morning, the instrument of women's progress is being played today. A vivid example of this is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Leader of the Opposition. The "Women's Rehabilitation Board" was formed in 1972 with the aim of rehabilitating women freedom fighters and oppressed women during the war of independence and providing vocational training. The Ministry of Women's Affairs, formed in 1986, was expanded in 1994 to become the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs. The main goal of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs is to alleviate poverty, prevent violence against women, prevent trafficking in women, ensure women's safety and participation. Various activities have been included in the National Strategy for Accredited Poverty Reduction (NSAPR-II) to harness women as economic driving force. About 8% of Bangladesh's economy comes from the readymade garments sector. The contribution of women workers in this garment making sector is the most.

★Administrative and political position of women:

50 seats are reserved for women in the legislature of Bangladesh. However, a total of 185 women members have been nominated in the reserved seats so far. Of which 6 are more than once. Of the 300 directly elected seats, five were elected in 1991, six in 1996 and currently six are women. Which is very inadequate in terms of women empowerment. The number of women in Bangladesh is about 25 million. Of these, only 10,000 are in the administrative and management professions, about 69% in the agricultural sector, 9.9% in the manufacturing and transport sectors, 2.2% in the women marketing workers and 0.6% in the clerical sector. Of the 85,000 women in government service, 1% are employed in ministries, 16.5% in autonomous organizations and 82.5% in general offices.

★Obstacles to women's empowerment:

Women's empowerment in third world countries is not satisfactory. The socio-economic infrastructure in these states is so weak that they cannot provide full facilities for the development of their women's society. Traditional attitudes, non-cooperation in education, inadequate security and legal measures, narrow-mindedness and attitudes are all obstacles to women's empowerment.The major barriers to women's empowerment are as follows:

1. Social reasons.

2. Political reasons.

3. Economic reasons.

4. Lack of education.

★Steps taken by the government:

The government of Bangladesh has been taking various programs for the empowerment and overall development of women. In 1982, one tenth of the quota in government service was reserved for women. In 1986, an independent Ministry of Women's Affairs was formed. To ensure women's rights, the government has set a quota of 10% for gazetted posts and 15% for non-gazetted posts. 60% of primary school recruitment is reserved for women. In addition, the government has taken various legal measures and provided security for women through punishment of criminals.

Women have to play various important roles in the world. A mother becomes successful in life as a woman by showing the light of the world by conceiving and giving birth to her child. When a child is born, a mother is also born. Besides, women are bound to the society in all dignified relationships including wife, sister, daughter. They are half of the society. It is the responsibility and duty of the state to ensure the opportunity to develop their talents and self-sufficiency.