“Whatever great creation in the world is eternally beneficial/Half of it is made by women, half by men.” This line from Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem clearly reflects how much recognition women have actually received in our social system. Looking back at history, we see that society was once bound by the chains of superstition and prejudice.
However, there is now a vast difference between the society of the past and that of the present. Hence, the poet’s call for equal rights for men and women remains relevant. Today, women are no longer lagging; they are participating equally in all spheres of activity and are achieving success in every field.
Yet, women still face numerous obstacles in many areas. Every day, newspapers and other media report incidents of violence, harassment, and deprivation of women’s rights. In truth, women are often neglected simply because of their gender, denied their basic rights, and subjected to unjust discrimination, a deeply flawed and unacceptable mindset. In a country where women constitute half of the total population, true structural and sustainable development is impossible without them.
Women’s contribution is indispensable to national development. They are not only half of society but also one of the main driving forces of progress. Through their diverse skills and experiences, women make outstanding contributions to the social, economic, and political advancement of the country. Thus, women are not a burden but a blessing to society and the nation.
Working in agriculture, industry, and service sectors, women play a vital role in strengthening the economy. A large portion of Bangladesh’s female workforce is engaged in the garment industry, where they face various challenges and adversities, yet continue to contribute significantly to the country’s economic foundation. Their achievements are now being recognised beyond national borders as well.
Moreover, as entrepreneurs, women establish new businesses, create employment opportunities, and help increase national revenue. Therefore, women’s education is crucial for overall national progress. Educated women help educate their families and communities after all, a child’s first teacher is their mother.
Women also take responsibility for family health and encourage others to seek medical care. They participate in social welfare programs and assist vulnerable groups. By voting, they engage in the political process and influence governance. As political leaders, they can drive national development and bring positive changes to social norms and attitudes. In literature, music, and the arts, women express their creativity, enriching the country’s cultural heritage.
In every sphere, women are advancing alongside men, guided by intellect, creativity, and practical intelligence. The misconceptions of the past about women’s capabilities have been broken. The women of Bangladesh have shattered those barriers inspired by pioneers like Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, the first self-educated and visionary woman of the Indian subcontinent. Through her writings, Rokeya gave life to both the inner spirit and the rights of women, sometimes expressing them in the form of women themselves, and sometimes through satire on men. Her goal was to awaken men’s awareness of women’s potential and to portray women’s experiences with realism and truth.
Begum Rokeya emerged as a literary warrior among Bengali women, using appropriate methods to bring women’s empowerment and dreams of equality to the grassroots. She envisioned a harmonious and enlightened society and home the core theme of her writings. However, even today, true gender equality remains unrealised. She wrote that men and women are like different limbs of the same body man is the body, woman is the soul. She believed that only through education could women’s suppressed demands turn into flames of change, leading to real progress in women’s development. That is why Rokeya urged women to step out of confinement, pursue education, and awaken their intellectual and moral strength.
She and other visionary writers and reformers taught that to dream and to realise those dreams, women must endure obstacles and learn how to rise again after every struggle.
In the present context, women are contributing immensely to Bangladesh’s development, sacrificing their comfort and time to strengthen the nation both economically and socially. Their progress, direct or indirect, is visible everywhere. Like women in other countries, Bangladeshi women are no longer confined to their homes. With talent and merit, they now hold high positions across sectors, earning national and international recognition as milestones of progress.
Although the social backdrop has changed somewhat, deep-rooted inconsistencies still exist. Many people’s attitudes and moral values have yet to evolve. Therefore, for the nation’s overall development, it is essential to forget gender differences and ensure women’s active participation in all activities. Women must be supported to overcome challenges and fully develop their potential.
To further enhance women’s role in national progress, empowerment is vital, meaning giving women the freedom to make their own decisions, protect their rights, and participate equally in society. Ensuring access to education, financial independence, and strict enforcement of laws against violence and discrimination are crucial steps. Only then can we build a prosperous, just, and peaceful nation.
