Issues Relating to Women

Problems facing women

Women face a number of problems in their localities and rely on Government and the local society to resolve these problems and establish equal opportunities for them. Respondents were asked about their perception about the biggest problem facing women in their localities. Based on their answers, the five leading problems were identified as domestic violence, lack of jobs, social barriers, sexual harassment and low education levels.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing women in your locality?

Women's involvement in community decision-making

Social barriers are known to exclude women from decision-making processes at the community level. But such barriers may be breaking up with economic advancement. The survey revealed that a large majority of respondents would like to see more women involved in decisions affecting their communities. This is a healthy sign for women's future well-being.

Percentage of respondents who would like to see more women involved in decisions affecting their communities

Women as elected members of local or national government

Social barriers again preclude large participation of women as elected members of local or national government. For this reason, women's quotas are set by the Government; for example, there are three reserved elected seats for women in the Union Parishad, reserved positions in the Upazila Parishad and unelected reserved seats in Parliament. When queried on this issue, however, a large majority of respondents said they would like to see more women as elected members of local and national government. There was uniformity of opinion on this in rural and urban areas, between males and females and among youths. Such pervasive attitudes augue well for women in the future.

Percentage of respondents who would like to see more women as elected members of local and national government

Overall Impressions of Personal Well-Being

Respondents were asked if, taking account of the combination of social, political and economic factors discussed during the interview, they felt personally better off in September 2013 than they were in January 2009 (i.e., when the present Government assumed power). In terms of an overall subjective assessment of their situation, taking all factors into account, only 26 percent of respondents believe that they are better off. 36 percent of respondents believe that their situation has worsened while another 35 percent report that there has been no change . A significantly higher proportion of urban area respondents compared to rural area respondents believe they are worse off. Also, a significantly higher proportion of female respondents compared to male respondents believe they are worse off.

Comparing your personal situation now to your situation in January 2009, can you say whether you are
better or worse off considering all factors (social, political and economic)?

Previous Surveys...