Since the British colonial era, women have made remarkable contributions in various movements and struggles—such as the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and in other spheres—demonstrating intelligence, courage, and playing a vital role in driving the country’s economy forward. These contributions are exemplary, worthy of recognition, and unforgettable. Free from all forms of stagnation and superstition, women continue to strive relentlessly to establish themselves in society as independent and complete individuals.
No social transformation is possible by excluding women from the mainstream of development and empowerment. The immense strength and potential of women can only be fully realized when their rightful place in the development process is ensured. The vast possibilities of women’s advancement will materialize through the manifestation of their talents, constructive thinking, morality, competence, humanity, sociability, and evolving perspectives.
Women’s education is considered a form of knowledge that enhances self-respect and dignity. This knowledge can be formal or informal. In essence, women’s education refers to educating women properly to help them develop their lives. Hence, any form of education that helps women become educated and empowers their life development is considered women’s education.
We all know that the more educated a nation is, the more developed it becomes. Education is a prerequisite for development. There is no alternative to women’s education for the welfare and progress of the nation. The importance of women’s education in national development becomes clear in Napoleon’s quote: “Give me an educated mother, and I will give you an educated nation.” The world has realized the essence of this statement, which is why the literacy rate among women has increased. Educating a girl means educating the entire family, and ultimately contributing to the progress of society and the country. Therefore, women’s education is indispensable to national welfare and advancement. Women’s education and development are closely related, as true development requires the participation of the female workforce in all aspects of society.
In the past, women’s education was seen as unprofitable. Educating girls was considered a financial burden due to future marriage costs, resulting in a lack of interest in educating female children. Today, due to special focus on girls, the dropout rate among female students has significantly declined.
Despite societal resistance, the collective voice for women’s education is strong and growing. Education illuminates the path to justice and expands rights, fostering unity against repression. By promoting secularism and social equality, education encourages cooperation and progress. Changing deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes, women’s education is crucial in reducing gender disparity and upholding dignity in families and society. Social reform often starts in the family, where a mother’s influence shapes children’s perspectives.
In earlier times, women were entirely dependent on their husbands and were neglected and oppressed in family and society. Their responsibilities were confined to household chores. Today’s women are educated and employed as doctors, engineers, teachers, police officers, and in other significant roles in both government and private sectors. Women are now self-reliant, leaving no room for them to be underestimated. Most people now acknowledge that there is no substitute for education. Even household management greatly benefits from women’s education.
As the world stands at the threshold of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is crucial to empower women who are falling behind. They must be equipped with skills in information technology, science, entrepreneurship, and technical education. Policymakers must take necessary steps to ensure women are equally skilled in not just traditional education but also in innovation and modern competencies. At the same time, families and society must shift their mindset and prioritize women’s education. Only then can a knowledge-based, prosperous, and sustainable Bangladesh emerge.
