A NEWS report in a local daily mentioned that a campaign, “Shoman Shoman – Morjadai Gori Somota” (Equality through dignity), was officially launched in the capital Wednesday, aiming to change and improve society’s current perception of women. It also seeks to prevent existing discrimination, disrespect and aggression against the country’s female populace by reminding and informing people of women’s contributions to the family, society and state and highlighting their importance in building a progressive nation. Inaugurating the campaign website www.shomanshoman.org.bd and declaring it open at the Osmani Memorial Hall, President Abdul Hamid said, “Time has come to change our perception of women’s work and their contributions. Otherwise, we can’t prevent discrimination and violence against women.”
While it is indeed nice to have a special day for women we would like to know what that would exactly achieve – a day where dignitaries give out sermons on the need for gender equality will have little effect in a country where in reality more than half of the population is illiterate. A policy whereby social attitudes can be changed needs to be followed – not just on one day but on every single day. Radio broadcasts, TV shows, dramas and natoks held in fairs and villages to educate people – all of these on a continuous basis are the need for the hour for people to understand that not just all men – but all men and women are and should be equal. Religious leaders can and should issue fatwas decrying the manner in which women are used. Banks should be instructed to lend only to women – something which the Grameen Bank and other microlenders have already been doing – if women call the economic shots in the household, men will eventually end up listening to them.
All of these should send across a message to the 25 million plus families that constitute our republic – every little boy and girl should be treated equal. Everytime a mother or father pampers a boy and abuses a girl is a signal that equality has not been achieved. The percentage of women who have been physically, verbally, or sexually abused is more than 91 percent according to statistics. This is indeed a most terrifying number but it will not lessen until both fathers and mothers treat their male and female children in the same manner. Will that happen overnight -definitely not. But continuous policies to change the mindset of the general population is a start. Let’s not just celebrate one day as Women’s Day – let’s celebrate every day as one – after all they are our mothers, our sisters, our wives and our daughters .
