ALTHOUGH the United Nations has been celebrating the International Women’s Day since 1975, like many other countries in the globe, women in our society have a long way to go before their rights are fully protected or even recognised. Men still dominate decision-making, but the number of women is on the rise in Parliament, the cabinet, the judiciary and the administration, the armed and police forces and education services. Their participation in the field of entrepreneurship is also worth mentioning.
A news report published in this newspaper on Monday said that Bangladeshi women are gradually building their knowledge and skills, and joining the challenging professions like the armed and police forces. Quoting police headquarters, the report mentioned that till January this year, women working in different units totalled 15,163 which is 7.92 per cent of the total force.
When we talk about observing the day, we should take a look at the laws of the land, which need to be implemented to give women the rights that they are entitled to. Perhaps then, this day would have true and proper meaning in Bangladesh where nearly half the population continues to toil in an insecure environment and their contribution to nation building remains unrecognised. Besides, women continue to face discrimination in the workplace where their contribution is seldom recognised.
The government has enacted the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act in 2010 that ensures the victims’ rights to law enforcement officers’ assistance, required medical facilities and legal services. Despite the existence of the law, rights body Ain o Salish Kendra said 554 women faced domestic violence last year alone. Another rights organisation Manusher Jonno Foundation showed a total of 37,912 women in its working districts faced domestic violence from April to September last year.
In fact, the world has been celebrating International Women’s Day since 1910, more than 65 years before the UN started observing the day. Then it was launched at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The idea was to observe a day globally to press for the demands of better wages, working conditions and other facilities. Yet, violence against women, which has often led to deaths, points to a society that remains aloof from their rights as human beings. We want to see full promotion and protection of women’s rights here so that no one is left behind. It can only be possible if we have the right foundation, that is, respect for human rights.
