Empowering women
It is the responsibility
of the authorities
concerned for making women self-reliant
Education is essential for empowering women to achieve gender equality, which is vital for sustainable development, says a new Gender Review by Unescos Global Education Monitoring Report recently released marking the International Day of the Girl Child observed on October 11. Women constitute half of the total population of Bangladesh. But their dreams and potentials are often thwarted by discrimination, violence and lack of equal opportunities. Only numerical strength fails to ensure their participation in the mainstream development activities.
Despite brimming with talent and creativity women cannot come to the forefront due to glaring gaps in data and knowledge about the specific needs and challenges that they face. Education can empower women to become leaders as they acquire literacy, confidence and communication skills.
There is no denying the fact that women of Bangladesh are inching forward defying various limitations confronting them.
Their mighty presence in the different sectors of life, particularly the apparel sector, has opened up a wide avenue for them. Women are making their presence felt in the civil bureaucracy, defence, education and in banking sector. Some women have even proved their acumen in entrepreneurship. Yet there is no room for expressing complacency. The present government has done a lot for the improvement of the lot of women but much more should be done.
Scores of women are still suffering due to violence perpetrated on them by their male counterparts. Vast womenfolk in rural areas of the country are still bearing the brunt of abysmal poverty, illiteracy, curse of early marriage, pangs of premature motherhood and dowry. Deserted by husbands, many women are struggling for survival. It is the responsibility of the authorities concerned for making women self-reliant.
The unemployed educated young women should be imparted training, particularly on computer operating and ICT, throughout the country for expanding their job opportunities. Those who are not educated should be given training on poultry farming, cattle rearing and similar other jobs. In this way the unemployment problem facing them can be solved greatly. Small women entrepreneurs should be provided with loans on easy terms and conditions.
