THE July-August 2024 was a significant moment. It was a mass uprising against political oppression, corruption and authoritarian rule. Women stood at the forefront; they demanded justice, democracy and social reform. They led protests, mobilised communities, spread awareness and provided legal and medical aid to victims of state repression. Their role was not just supportive but central; it shaped the movement鈥檚 direction and ensured its resilience.
The movement arose from mounting public dissatisfaction. The ruling party Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, with a bloodthirsty mentality, had for long suppressed free speech and political dissent. By mid-2024, anger erupted into mass protests. Students, intellectuals, activists and professionals took to the streets, demanding government accountability and an end to authoritarian rule. Amidst this, women emerged as powerful leaders, proving their strength in the fight for justice. Their participation was not an anomaly but a necessity. Women have historically played crucial roles in resistance movements and this was no different.
Female student leaders from public and private universities and other educational institutions, played a leading role in organising student protests. They mobilised thousands, exposed corruption and state violence. Fearless in their approach, they led demonstrations, delivered speeches and leveraged social media to ensure the movement gained both national and international traction. Their efforts not only brought students into the streets but also forced institutions to acknowledge the grievances of the youth.
Female journalists and human rights activists risked their lives to document state atrocities. They exposed police brutality, unlawful arrests and the government鈥檚 attempts to silence dissent. By gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and documenting human rights violations, they ensured that those in power could not erase their crimes from public memory.
Women lawyers fought for detained activists, securing their release and challenging oppressive laws in court. They also ran legal awareness campaigns, empowered people to resist injustice through legal means. The legal system, often manipulated by those in power, became a battleground for justice, and they stood firm in ensuring that the protesters had representation and that the law was not solely a tool of repression.
Women activists also played a critical role in countering government propaganda. She managed online platforms, created viral campaigns, live-streamed protests and coordinating petitions. Their work ensured that the movement鈥檚 message spread globally. In an era where the government sought to control the narrative through censorship and misinformation, their role was vital in keeping the truth alive.
During violent crackdowns, some hospitals, under government pressure, refused to treat wounded protesters. Some doctors and team of volunteer medics set up emergency camps, risking their safety to provide medical care. The brutality of state forces left many injured, and without medical intervention, many could have died. These emergency response efforts were crucial in sustaining the protests and preventing further casualties.
Women were not just participants; they were leaders. They organised rallies, led marches and stood at the frontlines despite the threat of tear gas, rubber bullets and mass arrests. Government censorship made their role even more critical 鈥� journalists, bloggers and activists kept the movement alive online, countered disinformation. Beyond legal and medical aid, women provided psychological support and helped protesters traumatised by police brutality. The emotional and mental toll of state violence was immense and many young activists faced trauma that could have silenced them. Yet, through counselling and solidarity networks, women ensured the movement remained strong.
With arrests mounting, some women turned their homes into safe houses, sheltering activists from persecution. Their networks were essential in keeping movement leaders safe and active. Others engaged in intellectual and political advocacy, writing, debating and working with international human rights groups to pressure the government. The July-August movement did not exist in isolation. International solidarity played a role and Bangladeshi women ensured their struggles were heard beyond borders.
Despite their crucial role, women faced severe repression. They were harassed, threatened, arrested and assaulted. Yet they persisted. Their defiance shattered stereotypes and strengthened the movement. Their leadership inspired more women to engage in activism and fight for representation in governance. The government, along with conservative elements of society, sought to shame, intimidate and silence them. But their presence on the streets, in courtrooms, in hospitals and online defied every attempt to diminish their contributions.
The July-August movement was not just a political uprising 鈥� it was a testament to the power and resilience of Bangladeshi women. From student leaders and journalists to lawyers, doctors and digital activists, they shaped the movement and cemented their role in the nation鈥檚 history. Their bravery and commitment to justice ensured the struggle did not fade. As Bangladesh moves forward, their contributions will serve as a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society. They have set the stage for future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality and democracy.
The legacy of this movement is not just in its immediate demands but in the precedent it has set. The world watched as Bangladeshi women led a fight that was not just about one election, one leader, or one moment 鈥� it was about breaking a cycle of oppression that has long gripped the nation. And in that fight, they emerged not just as fighters but as victors in the ongoing struggle for justice.
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Mohammad Mozammel Haque is an associate professor of English at the Northern University Bangladesh.