According to popular belief, men are supposed to be the more logical, analytical and practical of the human species. Women on the other hand, are considered driven by emotion hence illogical, impractical and a little unstable. It is the idea that women are wild and therefore need to be 'tamed' and kept under close supervision that serves as the biggest incentive for men to control women. But honestly, where's the logic in that?
A puzzling phenomenon all over the world is how religion is being used to snatch away the basic rights of woman, to make her feel inferior, unclean and dispensable. Men in the name of upholding religion, spend inordinate amounts of time over what women should wear, where they can go and whom they can and cannot talk to. It is as if the only thing religion demands is that the women are kept in some sort of confinement or the other: 'Keep them in the houses, don't let them work or vote, let them raise your children and look after the furniture.' Thus the fatwas keep sweeping in and the debauched ranting of so-called religious leaders are hailed by thousands of (mainly male) followers. Religion, culture and politics are all rolled into one to promote parochial attitudes to suppress women and make them feel powerless.
All this is in defiance of the constitution and laws of the land and in contradiction to the reality of women's contribution to nation building.
Just take these facts: Girls score better on average, than boys, in public examinations. Women, even the poorest of the poor, are better borrowers of microcredit. Women workers have proved to be more efficient, sincere and less likely to cause trouble. Women contribute hugely to agriculture and food production.
In fact women in almost every field have shown that they are sincere, hardworking and committed to their work. Which is why a country's progress is often measured by the condition of its women in terms of their economic and social status.
The present time, in fact, demands that women become involved in every sphere of life. Many households would crumble if it weren't for the income contributed by the wife, the mother or the daughter. Industries like the RMG sector could never reach such unprecedented success without the nimble handwork of women garment workers. Service oriented industries such as telecom and banking would not have developed so rapidly without the battalion of women involved in various operations. Thousands of cottage industries would have vanished if it weren't for some brave women entrepreneurs who have acquired the skills to do business and involved other women to come out of poverty and despair.
There can be no debate on whether the presence of women is needed both at home and outside. The sheer visibility of women in the streets, inside the workplace and in the house, creates a sense of security, exudes an image of peace  and stability. The fact is that women are less prone to criminal behaviour and far less likely to throw a bomb at innocent people or stab someone for a mobile phone. There is also very little likelihood that they will sexually harass anyone to feel superior.
Despite such overwhelming evidence that women, when given the opportunity, can bring huge benefits to the nation, their freedoms are constantly being clipped by intimidation, violence and discriminatory practices – mostly from men.
Now is that rational behaviour?