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THE year 2024 will forever be etched in Bangladesh’s political history. It marks the fall of an autocratic regime, the victory of the people, and a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. However, despite this monumental political achievement, the progress in addressing gender-based violence and achieving equality for women remains painfully insufficient. Women’s rights — the right to work, move freely, receive equal pay for equal work, and have control over their own bodies — are still distant dreams in many parts of our society. The burdens of domestic work, childbearing, and social subjugation persist, leaving women far from the equality they deserve.

Media reports show, quoting data from the police headquarters, nearly 13,000 cases were filed under the women and children repression prevention act between January and September last year. Disturbingly, half of these cases involved rape and attempted rape. Other incidents included dowry-related torture, acid attacks, kidnappings, and child hostage situations. Despite this alarming trend, studies suggest that only one per cent of women who experience violence in Bangladesh report it to the police. The fear of lengthy trials, social stigma, and family pressure silences countless victims. In some cases, as highlighted in a Deutsche Welle report, violence at the hands of husbands goes unnoticed, with the victims remaining silent due to a lack of support and resources.

While these statistics are harrowing, they do not tell the full story. The silence around violence against women is not an indication that such violence is decreasing; on the contrary, it suggests that it is likely to grow as women continue to challenge entrenched patriarchal systems. As more women become educated, join the workforce, and demand their rights, they are encountering violent resistance from those who fear losing their power. The deeply rooted patriarchy in our society, combined with the exploitative capitalist system, continues to reduce women to mere commodities — cheap labour, reproductive tools or both. The system controls women’s bodies, silencing their voices and reducing their roles to passive observers of their own lives.

Patriarchy and capitalism intersect in dangerous ways. The exploitation of women’s labour, both in the home and in the workplace, is a key pillar of the capitalist system. Women are expected to bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities while simultaneously contributing to the labour force, all without fair compensation or recognition. Their value is reduced to their ability to produce new workers cheaply or to perform unpaid domestic work. This systemic exploitation keeps women in subservient roles, with their voices rarely heard in decision-making processes. When women do rise to challenge these power dynamics, they are often met with ridicule, physical and verbal abuse, and the dismissal of their efforts as insignificant.

This toxic dynamic extends beyond violence. Even women who are not directly victims of physical abuse face pervasive discrimination. They are paid less than men for the same work, have fewer opportunities for career advancement, and are often excluded from leadership roles in politics, business, and society at large. In marriages, in family matters, and in the workplace, women’s rights are systematically undermined. The situation seems to be replicating the conditions before the political uprising in July, which saw a brief moment of collective action but failed to bring about tangible improvements for women’s rights.

Despite the prominence of women in the protests, their contributions have largely been ignored. In the aftermath of the movement, women have been relegated to secondary roles, their achievements and participation minimised. They have been marginalised in the leadership structures that emerged, their voices side-lined in policy discussions, and their struggles overlooked in the rush to celebrate political victories. Even the advisory councils and reform commissions that followed have turned into exclusive boys’ clubs, with token female representation that does little to address the structural inequalities women face.

The post-uprising discourse on equality remains hollow. The country has become increasingly unsafe for women, particularly for those from marginalised communities. Violence against women has escalated. While the government has made some progress in addressing these issues, the pace of change is agonisingly slow. Women continue to face violence, discrimination, and exclusion from leadership roles.

So, what is the way forward?

We must first recognise and actively challenge the politics of silencing women and marginalised voices. Women and marginalised groups must not only be represented in every narrative but also celebrated for their contributions to society. Their stories must be told, their successes acknowledged and their participation in political and social movements highlighted.

The representation of women and marginalised people in leadership roles, within political parties and civil society organisations, must be increased. Political parties that fail to present women leaders in the coming year should not expect the support of women voters in the elections. We need a proportionate increase in female representation in parliament, with seats reserved for women, and efforts to ensure that women hold significant positions in government and decision-making bodies.

We must also take concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of women and people of all gender identities. Workplaces, schools, roads, and public spaces must be made safe for all. Laws must be enacted and enforced to prevent harassment, especially sexual harassment, and there must be swift, efficient processes for bringing perpetrators to justice. The cyber security act should be reformed to protect the rights of women online, and an independent commission should be established to safeguard women from cyber abuse.

Economic equity is another crucial area. Women must receive equal pay for equal work, and the workplace should be a safe environment where women are treated with dignity. Paid maternity leave, safe travel options, and childcare facilities should be standard. Gender-based wage discrimination and workplace discrimination must be eliminated, and equal rights in inheritance, divorce, and guardianship must be guaranteed by law.

Education and social change are at the heart of long-term progress. From a young age, children should be taught the value of equality, and the harmful practice of child marriage must be eradicated. Girls must have access to education and be empowered to choose their own life paths, free from social pressures or gender-based violence.

Finally, the government must invest in the empowerment of women. This includes allocating a portion of the national budget specifically for initiatives that support women’s economic, educational, and social advancement. The removal of cultural and legal barriers to women’s ownership of property and resources is essential. The accessibility of women in business and government jobs must be increased, and the gender balance in these sectors must be improved.

The dream of a just and equal Bangladesh is possible — but only if we commit to real, transformative change. Women and marginalised groups have shown time and again that they have the power to lead and shape the future. It’s time the nation recognises their worth and creates a society that truly reflects the values of equality and justice.

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Md Habibul Haque is a lecturer in English at ZH Sikder University of Science and Technology.