Govt must listen to women’s voices

We congratulate the Women's March for Solidarity (Moitree Jatra), which drew in thousands of women to Manik Mia Avenue in a show of strength, unity and resoluteness to stand up to oppression and discrimination. Several thousand women, along with hundreds of men, marched in Dhaka city with three main demands: that the government take action against threats to women and minority communities, the misinformation campaign against the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, and the weaponisation of religious sentiments to create an environment of fear. They also stated that political parties that want women's support must clearly express their stance on women's complete political, economic and personal freedom.

What was most heartening to see was women from all walks of life and from diverse communities taking part in this grand rally. They included tea garden workers, garment workers, home workers, Indigenous and Dalit women, teachers, students, development workers, cultural activists and human rights defenders. Fifty progressive organisations comprising women workers, cultural activists, students and professionals expressed their solidarity with this unique March.

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Reforms are crucial to ensure women's rights

This March has come at a time when women and girls are facing all kinds of threats, especially in the public sphere. Abusive and threatening language has been used against women both in public rallies as well as online. Women have faced assaults in the streets and while playing sports. Sexual violence against women and girls continues unabated, with perpetrators becoming emboldened by the unhindered hate speech and moral policing of certain groups. Threats of rape and abusive language have increased significantly on social media. Mob violence has also targeted women.

We have also seen how women, even those who were instrumental in the people's uprising, are being sidelined and their voices silenced through misogynistic speeches and exclusion. All this does not bode well for Bangladesh, a nation built on the principles of equality and justice for all and an end to all kinds of discrimination. The July uprising, too, was primarily based on removing discrimination of all kinds.

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Why does Hefazat fear women’s rights more than usury?

We agree with their declaration that the government must take action against these threats to women's active participation in all spheres of life. The virtual silence of the interim government after the vicious verbal attacks on its own appointed commission and its members has been disturbing and disheartening. We expect the government to make it clear that it will not tolerate misogyny and will punish violence against women in any form. The interim government, and the government that will be elected in the future, must ensure a safe environment for women and girls, free from violence and discrimination.