Empowerment of women, make it happen

International Women's Day, 2015 was observed on the 8th of March with the objective of "empowering women, empowering humanity." International Women's Day has been observed around the world since 1911, with the spirit of empowering women and to establish equal rights and privileges without any discrimination. As a signatory and participant of ICPD, 1994, and Beijing Declaration of 1995 and other international conventions, Bangladesh also formulated national action plans for gender mainstreaming and addressing cross-cutting issues effectively. But Bangladesh should not be constrained by the celebrations of the day and performing functions with musical soirée and colourful processions, but rather with definite goals so that our approach happens to be results and action oriented.

In Bangladesh, significant improvements took place within the last 43 years in creating opportunities for women in gainful employment, education, and other enabling situations where women can decide the fate of family and in decision-making of state affairs, through imposition of their ideas and establishing voices on critical issues. Bangladesh has formulated laws, rules, and regulations to establish women rights in society. Bangladesh Constitution Article 28(2) states "women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the state and public life."

Some policy frameworks and rules like Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, National Children's Act, 2013, Maternal Health Strategy, 2001, The Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000 et cetera were formulated to support the efforts and initiatives of state, non-state, and private sector to address critical issues and achieve sustainable development goals in these areas.

Due to all these actions and efforts, female life expectancy at birth increased to 71.08 years, CPR raised to 61% (BDHS-2011), maternal mortality rate reduced to 194 per thousand in 2010, neo-natal mortality rate reduced to 23 per 1000 live births, female school enrolment rose to 70% and equally their retention in education increased. Besides, the practice of breast-feeding increased to 64% with nutrition level improving remarkably.

A very encouraging indicator is the reduction in preference of having sons and the gradual decline of girls marrying at adolescence. All these measures helped Bangladesh to attain better position in comparison to other South Asian Countries on the Global Gender Index, 2014. According to the report, out of 142 countries, Bangladesh ranked 68 in reducing the gender gap and out-ranked Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and Pakistan.

Despite our socio-economic progress, there are still many visible challenges hindering our nation and creating a situation that is a far cry from the empowerment of women. The safety and security from violence against women, and the deprivation and deception of womenfolk are so visible it is as if there is no authority to redress these ailments despite the laws and policies that are in force.

A recent study conducted by Action Aid, a non-government organisation, revealed a dismal scenario where 81% of women do not approach our law enforcement agency to lodge complaints against violence, and 47.5% of women are afraid of travelling by public transport, with more than 65% who also do not leave their houses at night.

Naripokkho, a civil society organisation of women, in their Declaration on 25 October, 2014 stated, "According to statistics of Bangladesh Police Headquarters, the number of incidents of violence against women including those of rape, killing, abduction, and sexual harassment reached 202,567 in 2013. Among these, 44,192 were rape cases; 356 women were killed after being raped; 1,857 women were victims of acid attacks; 60,929 cases were of violence in relation to dowry and abduction."

This is an alarming scenario suggesting public distrust and weakness of law enforcing agencies. Overcoming this, demands multi-dimensional action. Major interventions are needed, of which political commitment to eradicate violence, generate employment, and ensure education for women top the list. The following steps could be taken to support empowerment:

• Law of inheritance can ensure rights of the girl child to parental property and establish her ownership, helping her raise her voice and reduce the demand for dowry during marriage

• Community support is a critical issue. In the scenario of an urban-rural divide, urban women are humiliated more and become victims of violence without community support in practice, in localities like slums and disadvantaged habitations with a floating women population being the worst victims. The elected ward commissioners, women representatives from reserved seats must constitute gender awareness committee/forum to restrain such violence

• Women be given access to appropriate, affordable, and quality health care services with BCC supplies and material available in services delivery centres

• Some achievements and better indicators of health and family planning do not necessarily mean the empowerment of women. Empowerment is related to social and economic enlightenment where women can play a significant role in decision-making and in governance of state and non-state agencies

• Social resistance to violence against women is an answer that can promote gender equity and equality in the long run. It is the simple notion that society and local community can resist violence and guarantee safety and safeguards for women and girl children. Naripokkho's slogan, "safe city, brave women" must become a reality

• A gender sensitive initiative that addresses sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and reproductive health issues. Furthermore, a massive IEC program and special drive to overcome aliments are needed where delivery institutions can play a prominent role using public-private partnership models

Mr. Iori Kato, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, Dhaka, recently said, "If you like to change the future, now is the time." Really, time is running out fast and everyone must act quickly to empower women and make it actually happen.

The empowerment of women is the best indicator for the empowering of humanity – where women can work for peace by reducing conflicts and achieving socio-economic development. Therefore, investing in women and girls is the best intervention for the enrichment of society and the country as a whole.

Dhiraj Kumar Nath is a former secretary and former adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh.