Begum Rokeya was born in a village called Pairaband in Rangpur. Her father was a well-educated landowner and had a keen interest in education but maintained a strict rule of the Islamic code of pardah (veil) for the women in the family. That is why, while her brothers got the opportunity of schooling, she was deprived of education. Rokeya and her elder sister, Karimunnessa, were deeply interested in learning Bengali and English. Their elder brother Ibrahim, who had a great influence on their lives, taught them the languages. They did that at night, while everyone else was asleep, so as not to arouse anyone’s suspicion.
She got married at a very early age and had a huge age difference with her husband, Khan Bahadur Sakhawat Hossain, then the deputy magistrate of Bhagalpur. He, however, supported female education and helped his wife improve her Bangla and English skills. Gradually, she mastered the two languages. Her husband also encouraged her to write and Rokeya eventually adopted Bangla as the principle language of her writing. The role of these two men in her life was crucial and needs to be recognised, so that today’s men can understand the importance of their own role in the transformation of the lives of women in our society.
From the first decade of the twentieth century to her death, Rokeya worked for the society without any break. During the time, she felt that, leaving half of the population uneducated and secluded, the development of the country or the nation is not possible. Therefore, she dedicated herself for the cause of women’s liberation. She believed that education is the means, which can eradicate women’s ignorance and make them aware of their subjugation. Her ultimate goal was the emancipation of women and education was the gateway to achieve that independence.
To her, the purpose of education was not memorizing books, writing verses or making ideal housewives or mothers. She wanted that education which would help women attain citizen rights, earn their livelihood and become equal with men. She faced many obstacles and criticism but these could not obstruct her aim and goals. Sacrificing her pleasure, luxury and free time, with much patience and devotion she continued her long cherished goal of women?s liberation movement-which did stop after her death. Afterwards, being inspired with her ideals, many of her followers became able to play great roles in the movement-herein lies the achievements of Rokeya as a successful feminist, educationist and social work.
Rokeya also recognised the importance of women’s economic independence. She realised the importance of organised action for change and raising public awareness. In 1916, she founded the Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Islam (Muslim Women’s Society), an organisation that was at the forefront of the fight for women’s education and employment. Its members advocated for women’s legal and political rights, sponsored women’s attendance at school, gave shelter to orphans, offered legal and financial assistance to widows. It was the cornerstone of the feminist movement in Bengal, and paved the way for the vibrant and politically progressive feminist movement seen in contemporary Bangladesh.
Rokeya launched her literary career in 1902 with a Bengali essay entitled Pipasa (Thirst). She later published the books Matichur (1905) and Sultana’s Dream (1908) before her husband died in 1909. In Sultana’s Dream, Rokeya wrote reversing the roles of men and women in whom women were the dominant sex and the men were subordinate. She also depicts an alternative, feminist vision of science, in which inventions such as solar ovens, flying cars, and cloud condensers are used to benefit the whole of society. It is regarded as a notable and influential satire. She wrote regularly for the Saogat, Mahammadi, Nabaprabha, Mahila, Bharatmahila, Al-Eslam, Nawroz, Mahe Nao, Bangiya Musalman Sahitya Patrika, The Mussalman, Indian Ladies Magazine and others.
Rokeya’s writings mainly revolved around the oppression of women. Prominent among her works are Sultanar Swapna (Sultana’s Dream), Padmarag, and Abarodhbasini. In 1905, she wrote Sultanar Swapna, one of the earliest depictions of feminist utopia. In it, she relies on role reversal to show the society what women are capable of if given the opportunity. In Abarodhbasini, she reveals the absurdities of the society, and in Padmarag, women are seen gathering the courage to change their lot by becoming educated and financially independent. Rokeya also wrote several other novels and short stories.
In 1916, she founded the Muslim Women’s Association, an organization that fought for women’s education and employment. In 1926, Rokeya presided over the Bengal Women’s Education Conference convened in Kolkata, the first significant attempt to bring women together in support of women’s education rights. She was engaged in debates and conferences regarding the advancement of women until her death on 9 December 1932, shortly after presiding over a session during the Indian Women’s Conference.
In addition to the movement of education, women’s liberation and progress in the Muslim women society Begum Rokeya has made an outstanding contribution to the field of literature. Her husband was a Bihari, and despite the large circulation of Urdu and Persian in the family, Begum Rokeya studied literature in the mother tongue. Through creative literature, she sought to liberate the Muslim women from hypocrisy, superstition and bigotry. Begum Rokeya, one of the pioneers of women’s awakening and one of the pioneers of women’s rights movement, has laid the foundation for the position of Bengali women created today. In fact, while the Bengali women did not even have the freedom to dream or think. At the same time, she raised the demand for women’s liberation. She established the first Rokeya Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School in Bhagalpur with only five students to reach the light of education among women in 1909. But for various reasons the school did not stay long. Later, after one year, she established the school again in Kolkata under the same name in 1911.
The government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has taken various programs for the establishment of women’s rights, empowerment and inclusion in the mainstream of overall development to implement the vision of 2021. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is implementing various programs aimed at eradicating women poverty, preventing women oppression, preventing trafficking in women, protection of women in all fields including workplace and ensuring full and equal participation of women in socio-economic activities. Under the Social protection activities the poor women, widows and abandoned women’s are given allowances. Empowering women by providing comprehensive training on agriculture, sewing, banquet, handicrafts, beautification, computers and various income generating activities, creating employment, expanding labor market participation, facilitating small and medium entrepreneurship and providing financial assistance through secured credit and sponsorship. Extensive activities are being undertaken to ensure this. Finally, we can say that Bangladesh will become a modern welfare and effective state through the position of today’s women. In Society, honor, dignity and empowerment of women will be established by following ideology of Begum Rokeya. Begum Rokeya never suffered from inferiority but played a leading role in her successful implementation.
We are hopeful that today’s women will be inspired by Rokeya’s ideology and by following her footsteps. All will have to be self-employed and dedicated to the overall development and advancement of women in the society in terms of equality, harmony and progress. Mujib year may be glorious in the protection of women’s rights and dignity.
(Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed, writer,
columnist & researcher)
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed
