Hopes for a women friendly society and end to violence against women
Our national poet said, all great things were equally made by both men and women. No one will deny this. All popular and classic literature and films of the world uphold love toward women. Apparently, men's love and affection centre around women. Men's love toward their beloved ones and mothers is universal. In their youth, men desire women's love the most. And women? They ultimately become wives and mothers. Fundamental rights of women as human beings are severely overlooked. They have been subjects of discrimination legally and by the state as well for time unknown. We cannot claim that the laws, however many there are, have protected their rights unquestionably.
According to UN Women, 1 of 5 girls aged 15-19 in the Asia-Pacific region becomes a victim of sexual violence, more than 80% married women face violence at least once, 76% becomes victim of sexual harassment during higher education while only 2.6% seeks legal assistance against physical and psychological harassment.
A recent study by ActionAid and the National Forum for Prevention of Violence against Women, 66% of the women are victims of domestic violence while 72% of them did not report those incidents. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, 554 women were victims of domestic violence in 2020 among which 367 died because of torture and 90 committed suicide. 201 women became victims of sexual harassment. 1627 women were either raped or gang raped among which 53 were killed and 14 committed suicide after those incidents.
Participation of men in using contraceptives is only 16% while the rate is 84% in women although both of them have equal responsibilities in this regard
Reproductive rights of women are also being overlooked besides their fundamental rights. Their rights over issues like marriage, birth control and number of child have not been recognized. 'My body my rights' has been limited to a slogan only. The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo is considered by many as a milestone in establishing women's rights over reproduction and empowerment. It declared women's rights over decision making in regard to marriage, birth control and reproduction. Representatives from the 139 participating countries including Bangladesh agreed to implement the decision taken in the conference. After 30 years of that two third of the under-aged girls are becoming victims of child marriage without their consent. One third of them are giving birth before reaching age 18. And 40% of the total is unwilling pregnancy cases.
Participation of men in using contraceptives is only 16% while the rate is 84% in women although both of them have equal responsibilities in this regard. Many of the women are obliged to take contraceptive measures to avoid pregnancy even they have to suffer from side effects of those methods because their male counterparts do not use any. On the other hand, some women cannot adopt any such measures even if they want to because their partners do not approve.
Gender roles are pre-determined by men in the historically patriarchal society. Men are engaged in financial activities while women are confined to the household activities. We have been socially indoctrinated with such ideals. We grow up watching violence against women at our homes and outside without protesting it. Studies show that those who had exposure to such violence either became victims themselves or did the same to others in their later age. We should ask ourselves now whether we want to end this practice or not.
Legal procedure is necessary to stop such violence but not enough to eliminate it. Besides legal measures, we have to raise public awareness. We have to include men in various activities against such violence rather considering them as opposing forces. Men should take active measures against child marriage and dowry practices to help protect the rights of women.
Women's role in the family and the nation is widely acknowledged. Physical and mental wellbeing of women is necessary to let them contribute to the highest. Domestic violence and similar issues hinder their wellbeing which ultimately affects the wellbeing of the other members of the family, especially the next generation. Women alienated from their rights are in vulnerable socio-economic condition which creates depression. Cannot we realise this situation and provide the next generation with a women-friendly society? Let us make it a priority for all men to desire advancement of women overcoming all odds and discrimination.
* Md. Mahbub-Ul-Alam: Technical Director, USAID Shukhi Jibon Project, Pathfinder International, Bangladesh.
* Amena Khan: Program Coordinator, USAID Shukhi Jibon Project, Pathfinder International, Bangladesh.