Originally posted in The Daily Star on 10 March 2026
Observed for over a century, the International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a celebration; it is about recognising women’s accomplishments and reflecting on progress towards achieving gender equality. This year, the day’s observance underscored an urgent call for action. The theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” stresses turning commitments into tangible change. Around the world, millions of women and girls encounter legal discrimination, social challenges, and restricted opportunities. The theme emphasises that safeguarding women’s rights requires legal acknowledgement, fair justice, and proactive efforts to dismantle structural barriers.
Bangladesh should find the slogan “Rights. Justice. Action” especially relevant and timely. Over the past five decades, the country has made remarkable progress in women’s empowerment. It has earned global recognition for improving girls’ education, reducing maternal mortality, and expanding economic opportunities for women. Millions of women have entered the workforce in the RMG industry, which remains the country’s primary export-earning sector. Bangladeshi women’s presence is prominent in all three broad sectors of the economy: agriculture, industry, and services. Moreover, the country has a distinguished record of women serving in top government leadership positions, with two female prime ministers ruling the country for more than three decades.
Despite these achievements, numerous challenges still persist. Women’s participation in the workforce is still significantly lower than that of men: female labour force participation stands at 38.4 percent, compared to around 80 percent for men, according to the Labour Force Survey 2024. Women are mainly employed in informal, low-wage jobs with limited social protection, job security, and career growth prospects. Child marriage, gender-based violence, and unequal access to financial resources further impact the lives of women and girls across the country.
These facts highlight that progress in terms of development indicators does not automatically guarantee greater equality. Structural barriers still restrict women’s access to opportunities in many areas. A clear example of this is the state of women’s participation in national politics.
Despite the country’s history of women holding top political roles, their presence in electoral politics remains less than satisfactory. The recently held parliamentary election saw fewer women contesting for parliamentary seats than previous years. Although reserved seats ensure a minimum level of female representation in parliament, the number of women elected directly from general seats remains very low.
This underrepresentation is due to multiple factors. Economic barriers are particularly significant. Participating in elections requires considerable financial resources, and many women find it difficult to mobilise the funds necessary to run competitive campaigns. Political financing systems are often dominated by established male networks, which disadvantages women candidates.
Social and cultural norms play a vital role in shaping gender roles. Politics is generally seen as a male domain, and women who seek leadership often encounter doubt or discouragement. Family responsibilities and caregiving duties further limit women’s ability to pursue demanding political roles. In some settings, religious and/or cultural convictions reinforce these notions, implying that political leadership is only suitable for men.
The limited presence of women in politics has notable implications. Underrepresentation of women in decision-making can lead to public policies that overlook the issues and experiences of half the population. Important topics such as maternal health, childcare, workplace equality, and gender-based violence often receive less attention when women are excluded from policymaking.
Evidence from around the world suggests that women’s greater involvement in politics strengthens democratic governance. Legislatures with higher female representation tend to prioritise social issues, including education, health, and community well-being. Women leaders introduce diverse viewpoints and experiences, which enrich policy debates and promote inclusive decision-making.
Political parties should actively nominate women candidates and support them throughout campaigns. Financial support mechanisms must be adapted to reduce economic barriers for women candidates. Furthermore, leadership training and mentorship programmes can help women take on political roles at the national level.
Women’s participation in local government elections shows some promise. In the past, we have seen a number of women participating in the union parishad elections. Although they face obstacles like limited authority and social resistance, these roles offer crucial opportunities for improving women’s political involvement. Local government participation serves as a training ground for future national leaders. Women gaining experience in union parishads and similar bodies gain leadership skills, grow community connections, and get a boost in their confidence for facing greater political challenges. Increasing women’s involvement in local governance is, therefore, vital for improving representation at the national stage.
Achieving the objectives of “Rights. Justice. Action” requires more than political engagement. It demands collective efforts across all levels of society. The government should improve legal safeguards and ensure that survivors of discrimination and violence have effective access to justice. The private sector needs to create more opportunities for women in employment and leadership positions. Civil society organisations should continue to advocate for gender equality and confront harmful social norms. Development partners may support reforms and initiatives that promote women’s economic and social empowerment. The media plays a crucial role in highlighting women’s achievements and exposing discrimination, thereby fostering more progressive public attitudes.
Women continue to be the primary drivers of change, significantly impacting Bangladesh’s economic and social growth. Their progress is fuelled by education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and collective advocacy. Bangladesh’s success is rooted in the efforts of millions of women working across households, factories, offices, farms, and communities. Legal protections and everyday safeguards for women are essential. Justice must be available and effective for everyone. Additionally, initiatives must be continuous, inclusive, and aimed at creating real progress.
Bangladesh has demonstrated that empowering women can drive significant social and economic progress. The aim now is to build on this achievement by ensuring that women and girls of all backgrounds enjoy equal rights, access to justice, and adequate opportunities to influence the future of the country. The true fulfilment of IWD’s promise depends on the full recognition of all women’s rights, dignity, and voices.
Dr Fahmida Khatun is an economist and executive director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Views expressed in this article are the author’s own. Views expressed in this article are the author’s own.
