Empowerment of Women in Bangladesh

Introduction: Empowerment of women is an important aspect in the concept of both global and national development. Women contributions are indispensable for social economic development. So their participation is to be ensured in development work. In fact, empowerment of women includes the feminine rights and state recognition of women by making them self-reliant and decision maker in all inclusive aspects. So women development is a matter of great importance. Women development and empowerment of women are the two inseparable factors that are to be guaranteed in all levels of state administration. World background: Time is a ceaseless traveler and with the on-going movement of time women folk can be turned into an asset by ensuring their active involvement. Need of women development and their involvement in the production oriented projects are recognized in all the countries. So the matter is not a national issue only. Rather the global concept Is to be considered. The UN is actively working for women development as well as empowerment. World Women Day was declared in 1975 and a women decade was observed between 1975-1985. The objective of women decade is women development, establishment of rights in the family, society and work fields. First World Women Conference was held in Mexico In 1975. Bangladesh background: Need of women development and empowerment in Bangladesh has long been felt. To face gender discrimination, Indifference to women fundamental rights and constitutional equity with males Bangladesh government formed Women Rehabilitation Board. In 1978 Women Affairs Ministry was formed to monitor the government steps relating to empowerment of women. Status and empowerment of women in administration and politics At present about 10,000 women are employed in administration and management jobs. A few women are in secretarial posts now. In Bangladesh 25 million women are labor force, 79% are in agro-based sector, 99% in manufacturing and transportation sector, 22% in marketing sector and 06% in clerical posts. In Banking 01 general manager in police is department 05 women supers and 01 Brigadier woman in AMC. Out of total 85,000 women 1% in ministries, 16% in autonomous bodies and 825% in official jobs are employed. Very small number of women is In politics and parliament. Process of women empowerment and practical scenario: The first and foremost factor for women development is education. Education Is necessary for awakening consciousness In women. Women are under the jaws of household maintenance, child rearing, child birth but they hardly get recognition of their rights. Women participate In the manual labor In the garment industries like their male counterparts and, moreover, they work for 21 hours a day which is more than the males. Due to family code and religious fatowas women rights and entity are defied. Rule of NGO in women empowerment There Is a progressive action Programme for empowerment of women In NGO sector. ADAB a top level NGO organization has five women in the executive committee. Many voluntary organizations are working for driving consciousness, generating income sources and Investment orienting schemes so that women strive for self- employment. Obstacles to women empowerment: There are a lot of hindrances against women empowerment and women development. Women are compelled to work at low wage, in agriculture or other non-recognized sectors. Thinking and planning for women empowerment Is not less both in government and non-government levels but materialization of thinking and planning is still in question. Steps for empowerment of women: Preconditions for empowerment of women are (I) to change their status and financial condition: (ii) to make them participate In decision making and controlling affairs. According to constitution of Bangladesh: Any disparity to women is strictly prohibited is due to religion, creed, place and birth. For women development and empowerment our government has founded Women Rehabilitation Board, Rehabilitation and Welfare Foundation, National Women Organization, Women Affairs Directorate and Independent Women and Children Affairs Ministry. Women Directorate has its branches in 64 districts and 136 thanas. National Women Organization has mobilized its activities in 236 thanas. Government has declared female education free unto 12 classes. Food grain and compensation for female student Is given every month. Role of women representative in local bodies and state politics is ensured to accelerate the process of empowerment of women In Bangladesh. Reservation of 15% seats forewomen in the parliament has been made. This provision in the constitution will enhance role of women in rural affairs. Conclusion: There is no alternative to making women economically, socially id politically self-reliant and empowered. Empowerment of women Is a matter where women k1l compete with men In equal rights to build up a reformed world of safety and prosperity Discrimination between male and female will be resolved and coming generation will come across a new greener world.