Local Government
Women were first elected to local bodies in 1973. The Union Parishad Election of 1997 is a
milestone in the history of political empowerment of women in Bangladesh. The Government of
Bangladesh enacted a law for direct elections to reserve seats for women in local level elections.
In 1997 through an Act, the Government reserved three seats for women in the union parishad
where women members are elected from each of the three respective wards. Apart from the
reserved seats women can also contest for any of the general seats. Previously, the process of
selection of the women representatives was on the basis of nominations and/or indirect election.
Around 12,828 women were elected as members in the 1997 local level elections. A total of 20
and 110 women were elected as chairpersons and members, respectively, for general seats. The
Government has already issued different executive orders to ensure women members’
participation in various decision-making committees.
The majority of women representatives regularly attended parishad meetings, but only a few of
them participated in the deliberations and decisions. The female representatives usually involved
themselves with mass education, family planning, immunization, handicrafts, relief activity, and
shalish (mediation in the village court). The women representatives have the potentials to
become change agents for rural women and various NGOs. A few government institutions such
as the National Institute of Local Government are training women on various development-related
issues, legal aid, and organizational structure of local bodies and their roles and functions to
enable them play their role effectively.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Women’s Rights in Bangladesh
Women’s Rights in Bangladesh
Politics
Women have been more politically stable in the last two decades. A quota has ensured women's presence in the local government and National Parliament. Among women politicians, the older group entered politics through social work, while some among them and the new generation of have emerged from student politics. Despite many odds, statistics and analyses reveal a slowly growing trend towards women's political participation. However, they face an ominous challenge. There has also been a growing influence of money in Bangladesh politics, particularly in electoral politics and in guarding/promoting spheres of influence. This acts as a further constraint on women’s political participation since fewer women have access to financial resources. It is very difficult for women to work effectively in this system unless such practices are eradicated.
Political Parties
Party affiliation depends on membership drives and on the organizational and electoral needs of each party. The actual number of women members in different political parties, however, cannot be determined, since gender-specific records are not maintained. Nevertheless, a slow trend towards women's greater participation has emerged over the decade. As party workers, women render valuable contributions in the mobilization of voters, especially among other women. Although there are only a few women in leadership positions, their numbers have increased over the last two decades. There is limited female involvement in party hierarchical structures. However, women occupy the top leadership positions in each of the two largest parties. They became leaders during crisis periods and have been successful as driving forces and unifying factors of their respective parties. Significantly, neither of them inherited the mantle of leadership when their party was in power. Once placed in the position of leadership, they were able to generate their own dynamics and momentum to lead their parties through difficult times. Nevertheless, their close and inner circle of advisors mostly consists of men. In occupying the role of a leader in public life, they have perhaps contributed to liberalizing values in a predominantly Muslim culture where traditionally men had exclusive prerogative in politics. They played a crucial role toward democratization and brought about a certain degree of continuity into the political process. They have a strong potential to be positive role models for women of all ages in Bangladesh, provided they demonstrate a commitment to gender equity by involving more women in their parties and in government. The election manifestos and constitutions of different political parties reveal that there is little emphasis on gender equality in party platforms.
Electoral process
Although women do not hold key positions during the electoral process, they render significant contributions during election campaigns by taking part in organizing public meetings, processions, and rallies. Women leaders and party workers engage in the task of mobilizing and canvassing voters, particularly women, for their party candidates. By making special arrangements such as separate election booths for women, and females presiding as polling officers, the turnout rate of women voters has increased. During the general elections of 1991 and 1996, and local level elections in 1993 and 1997, the level of enthusiasm among women to exercise their voting rights was very encouraging. Because of the special arrangements and security measures taken by the Government, there were few disturbances and the presence of women in polling centers was significant.
1
Politics
Women have been more politically stable in the last two decades. A quota has ensured women's presence in the local government and National Parliament. Among women politicians, the older group entered politics through social work, while some among them and the new generation of have emerged from student politics. Despite many odds, statistics and analyses reveal a slowly growing trend towards women's political participation. However, they face an ominous challenge. There has also been a growing influence of money in Bangladesh politics, particularly in electoral politics and in guarding/promoting spheres of influence. This acts as a further constraint on women’s political participation since fewer women have access to financial resources. It is very difficult for women to work effectively in this system unless such practices are eradicated.
Political Parties
Party affiliation depends on membership drives and on the organizational and electoral needs of each party. The actual number of women members in different political parties, however, cannot be determined, since gender-specific records are not maintained. Nevertheless, a slow trend towards women's greater participation has emerged over the decade. As party workers, women render valuable contributions in the mobilization of voters, especially among other women. Although there are only a few women in leadership positions, their numbers have increased over the last two decades. There is limited female involvement in party hierarchical structures. However, women occupy the top leadership positions in each of the two largest parties. They became leaders during crisis periods and have been successful as driving forces and unifying factors of their respective parties. Significantly, neither of them inherited the mantle of leadership when their party was in power. Once placed in the position of leadership, they were able to generate their own dynamics and momentum to lead their parties through difficult times. Nevertheless, their close and inner circle of advisors mostly consists of men. In occupying the role of a leader in public life, they have perhaps contributed to liberalizing values in a predominantly Muslim culture where traditionally men had exclusive prerogative in politics. They played a crucial role toward democratization and brought about a certain degree of continuity into the political process. They have a strong potential to be positive role models for women of all ages in Bangladesh, provided they demonstrate a commitment to gender equity by involving more women in their parties and in government. The election manifestos and constitutions of different political parties reveal that there is little emphasis on gender equality in party platforms.
Electoral process
Although women do not hold key positions during the electoral process, they render significant contributions during election campaigns by taking part in organizing public meetings, processions, and rallies. Women leaders and party workers engage in the task of mobilizing and canvassing voters, particularly women, for their party candidates. By making special arrangements such as separate election booths for women, and females presiding as polling officers, the turnout rate of women voters has increased. During the general elections of 1991 and 1996, and local level elections in 1993 and 1997, the level of enthusiasm among women to exercise their voting rights was very encouraging. Because of the special arrangements and security measures taken by the Government, there were few disturbances and the presence of women in polling centers was significant.
1
UPCOMING WORK
Creating the First Women's Broadcast News Service in Bangladesh
In a country where women play a minor role in TV news, Knight International is working with female journalists to start a new broadcast news service. Knight Fellow Kawser Mahmud, an experienced broadcaster, is training women to become TV reporters and producers and feed their stories to major networks. Their reports will focus on social issues of particular concern to women that are not covered in mainstream media. Broadcast media are proliferating in Bangladesh after the country recently began licensing independent television news channels. Learn more about the project.
UPCOMING WORK
Recruit and train print journalists to participate in broadcast news service.
Focus coverage on social issues.
Market coverage to newly licensed independent television networks to build sustainability
In a country where women play a minor role in TV news, Knight International is working with female journalists to start a new broadcast news service. Knight Fellow Kawser Mahmud, an experienced broadcaster, is training women to become TV reporters and producers and feed their stories to major networks. Their reports will focus on social issues of particular concern to women that are not covered in mainstream media. Broadcast media are proliferating in Bangladesh after the country recently began licensing independent television news channels. Learn more about the project.
UPCOMING WORK
Recruit and train print journalists to participate in broadcast news service.
Focus coverage on social issues.
Market coverage to newly licensed independent television networks to build sustainability
UNDP Report outlines policies for sending and host countries to protect migrant women
“Many migrant workers around the world are subject to exploitation and mistreatment, and
that is a worldwide problem that we are very concerned about.” says Engr. Khandaker
Mosharraf Hossain, Honourable Minister for Labour, Employment, Expatriate Welfare and
Overseas Employment “Host countries and countries of origin have an equal responsibility to
provide protective policies and programmes. However, progress is being made and there is
more dialogue between origin and host countries which is helping us ensure that migrant’
rights are respected and protected while they are abroad.”
People move to other countries in search of improving their economic status. Often they are
pushed into migrating because of poverty, socio-economic instability and inequality, political
unrest, gender inequity, uneven distribution of resources and/or natural disasters. Without
adequate preparation and knowledge about the various risks associated with movement few
are aware of their vulnerability to HIV and human trafficking or know how to protect
themselves says the UNDP-OKUP study.
“When analyzing the unsafe conditions that Bangladeshi women face when migrating to work
overseas, we found that the absence of laws and regulations in the recruitment process for
migrant domestic workers and the poor working conditions they face once on site render
women very vulnerable, altogether contributing to a higher risk of contracting HIV” says
Shakirul Islam Lead Researcher and chairman of OKUP. “Inadequate pre-departure
orientation on HIV and health vulnerabilities for departing migrants is also a big gap. Most
importantly, although migrants are included in the country’s national strategic plan for
HIV/AIDS, there is no national HIV response for migrant workers” he says.
A majority of Bangladeshi migrants – around 60 per cent – find jobs through family networks
and do not receive adequate pre-departure briefing. For instance the Government’s Bureau of
Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) runs just one pre-departure briefing centre for
the whole country. Coupled with the weak monitoring system, the inability to reprimand
defaulting recruitment agents, and loopholes in existing laws all contribute to continued
violations of the compulsory pre-departure briefing policy.
The Bangladesh study, forms one of the country chapters of the regional report titled: HIV
vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Asia to the Arab states launched earlier in
March 2009.
“The regional report highlights that the deportation of HIV-positive migrants by host
countries and the absence of reintegration programmes in countries of origin can be
devastating for the health, well-being, and livelihoods of migrants and their families” says
Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP HIV Team Leader and Regional Programme Coordinator “There is an
urgent need to set up effective reintegration programmes for returning migrants and ensure
their access to health services and livelihood options.”
For information:
In Bangladesh: sakil.faizullah@undp.org Tel: +88 01713049900
In India: surekha.subarwal@undp.
that is a worldwide problem that we are very concerned about.” says Engr. Khandaker
Mosharraf Hossain, Honourable Minister for Labour, Employment, Expatriate Welfare and
Overseas Employment “Host countries and countries of origin have an equal responsibility to
provide protective policies and programmes. However, progress is being made and there is
more dialogue between origin and host countries which is helping us ensure that migrant’
rights are respected and protected while they are abroad.”
People move to other countries in search of improving their economic status. Often they are
pushed into migrating because of poverty, socio-economic instability and inequality, political
unrest, gender inequity, uneven distribution of resources and/or natural disasters. Without
adequate preparation and knowledge about the various risks associated with movement few
are aware of their vulnerability to HIV and human trafficking or know how to protect
themselves says the UNDP-OKUP study.
“When analyzing the unsafe conditions that Bangladeshi women face when migrating to work
overseas, we found that the absence of laws and regulations in the recruitment process for
migrant domestic workers and the poor working conditions they face once on site render
women very vulnerable, altogether contributing to a higher risk of contracting HIV” says
Shakirul Islam Lead Researcher and chairman of OKUP. “Inadequate pre-departure
orientation on HIV and health vulnerabilities for departing migrants is also a big gap. Most
importantly, although migrants are included in the country’s national strategic plan for
HIV/AIDS, there is no national HIV response for migrant workers” he says.
A majority of Bangladeshi migrants – around 60 per cent – find jobs through family networks
and do not receive adequate pre-departure briefing. For instance the Government’s Bureau of
Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) runs just one pre-departure briefing centre for
the whole country. Coupled with the weak monitoring system, the inability to reprimand
defaulting recruitment agents, and loopholes in existing laws all contribute to continued
violations of the compulsory pre-departure briefing policy.
The Bangladesh study, forms one of the country chapters of the regional report titled: HIV
vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Asia to the Arab states launched earlier in
March 2009.
“The regional report highlights that the deportation of HIV-positive migrants by host
countries and the absence of reintegration programmes in countries of origin can be
devastating for the health, well-being, and livelihoods of migrants and their families” says
Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP HIV Team Leader and Regional Programme Coordinator “There is an
urgent need to set up effective reintegration programmes for returning migrants and ensure
their access to health services and livelihood options.”
For information:
In Bangladesh: sakil.faizullah@undp.org Tel: +88 01713049900
In India: surekha.subarwal@undp.
Bangladeshi Women Migrants Face
Bangladeshi Women Migrants Face
Abuse and Health Hardships abroad
UNDP Report outlines policies for sending and host countries to protect migrant women
24 November, Dhaka – A majority of Bangladeshi women migrants work as domestic
workers in the Arab states. Many of them face physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their
employers. Subject to mandatory testing they are deported when they test positive for HIV.
These are some of the findings of a study released here today by the UN Development
Programme (UNDP) and OKUP (Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program).
“The economic gains generated by migrant workers are enormous, reaching almost 9.4 % of
GDP in Bangladesh in 2007” said Stefan Priesner, UNDP Country Director. “It is therefore
critical that good working conditions and support are provided to migrant workers throughout
the migration cycle” he added.
The report, HIV vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Bangladesh to the Arab
States, reveals the social, economic and health toll that migration imposes on emigrating
women, particularly low-skilled ones who are lured by job prospects. The findings of the
study are based on almost 250 interviews which included women migrant workers who
experienced undocumented migration and faced vulnerable situations such as sexual abuse
and deportation on the grounds of testing HIV positive.
“Although migration itself is not a risk factor to HIV infection, the conditions under which
some workers migrate and their living conditions in the host countries make them highly
vulnerable to HIV” says Dr. Salil Panakadan UNAIDS Country Coordinator “In many cases,
HIV testing in both countries of origin and host countries breaches migrants’ rights – testing
is undertaken without consent, counseling, confidentiality or support,” he says.
The Arab States are the primary destination for many migrant workers from Asia including
Bangladesh. The host countries examined in the study are: Bahrain, Lebanon and UAE.
The Bangladesh study reveals that there is no minimum wage for Bangladeshi domestic
workers either in Bahrain or in Dubai. The study found that domestic workers in Bahrain and
Dubai are paid just around $100 a month.
Women migrants also face numerous hardships, including irregular payment of salaries, long
working hours, physical and sexual abuse. In situations of abuse, domestic workers
sometimes resort to running away, which increases their vulnerability to other forms of
exploitation, including forced prostitution or trafficking.
Domestic work in the Arab countries where the study took place and in Bangladesh is not
covered by labour laws and women migrants, therefore, have no access to legal redress when
exploited or abused.
Abuse and Health Hardships abroad
UNDP Report outlines policies for sending and host countries to protect migrant women
24 November, Dhaka – A majority of Bangladeshi women migrants work as domestic
workers in the Arab states. Many of them face physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their
employers. Subject to mandatory testing they are deported when they test positive for HIV.
These are some of the findings of a study released here today by the UN Development
Programme (UNDP) and OKUP (Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program).
“The economic gains generated by migrant workers are enormous, reaching almost 9.4 % of
GDP in Bangladesh in 2007” said Stefan Priesner, UNDP Country Director. “It is therefore
critical that good working conditions and support are provided to migrant workers throughout
the migration cycle” he added.
The report, HIV vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Bangladesh to the Arab
States, reveals the social, economic and health toll that migration imposes on emigrating
women, particularly low-skilled ones who are lured by job prospects. The findings of the
study are based on almost 250 interviews which included women migrant workers who
experienced undocumented migration and faced vulnerable situations such as sexual abuse
and deportation on the grounds of testing HIV positive.
“Although migration itself is not a risk factor to HIV infection, the conditions under which
some workers migrate and their living conditions in the host countries make them highly
vulnerable to HIV” says Dr. Salil Panakadan UNAIDS Country Coordinator “In many cases,
HIV testing in both countries of origin and host countries breaches migrants’ rights – testing
is undertaken without consent, counseling, confidentiality or support,” he says.
The Arab States are the primary destination for many migrant workers from Asia including
Bangladesh. The host countries examined in the study are: Bahrain, Lebanon and UAE.
The Bangladesh study reveals that there is no minimum wage for Bangladeshi domestic
workers either in Bahrain or in Dubai. The study found that domestic workers in Bahrain and
Dubai are paid just around $100 a month.
Women migrants also face numerous hardships, including irregular payment of salaries, long
working hours, physical and sexual abuse. In situations of abuse, domestic workers
sometimes resort to running away, which increases their vulnerability to other forms of
exploitation, including forced prostitution or trafficking.
Domestic work in the Arab countries where the study took place and in Bangladesh is not
covered by labour laws and women migrants, therefore, have no access to legal redress when
exploited or abused.
Interview: Bangladeshi women should be inspired
DHAKA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- "More and more Bangladeshi women are involved in different professions, either in garment industry or in politics. This is a big progress for women empowerment in Bangladesh," said UN Under Secretary-General Ameerah Haq.
At an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently, the newly appointed UN under secretary general who is a Bangladeshi said that she hoped Bangladeshi women should be inspired by what she has achieved.
Over the past 34 years, Ameerah has been working for UN in different assignments in Indonesia, Afghanistan, Laos, Malaysia and Sudan. She is the highest-ranking UN staff from Bangladesh.
"As a Bangladeshi, I am happy and feel proud to take the post as UN under Secretary-General. I think it can be a source of inspiration to Bangladeshi women to work hard and realize their values," Ameerah said.
Bangladesh is still a male-dominated country though it has a female prime minister. Women take less posts in the government and non-government organizations compare with the men.
"Women can do well if they are given a chance," Ameerah said.
"Many Bangladeshi women are taking responsibilities of taking care of the families," she said.
Ameerah encouraged Bangladeshi women to be educated. "If a woman is educated, the whole family will be benefited," she said.
"A woman can have a better life when she is educated," she added.
Ameerah joined the UN in 1976 after getting two master's degrees in America.
Ameerah said that nowadays it is very competitive to apply for a post in UN headquarters. "As a applicant, you must have a good command of languages, you must follow the political and economic development in the world and have a good knowledge of it. That's the basic conditions," she said.
Ameerah has faced many difficulties in her career, saying "from2004 to 2009, I worked in war-ravaged Afghanistan and Sudan. It was quite difficult to work in these countries. There were so many frustrations."
"In those difficult times, strong will and perseverance helped me get through," she added.
Regarding to her new post in Timor-Leste as a special envoy of the UN secretary general which she will take very soon, Ameerah said "I am looking forward to taking the new post. It is a new challenge for me, but I will try my very best to work well."
At an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently, the newly appointed UN under secretary general who is a Bangladeshi said that she hoped Bangladeshi women should be inspired by what she has achieved.
Over the past 34 years, Ameerah has been working for UN in different assignments in Indonesia, Afghanistan, Laos, Malaysia and Sudan. She is the highest-ranking UN staff from Bangladesh.
"As a Bangladeshi, I am happy and feel proud to take the post as UN under Secretary-General. I think it can be a source of inspiration to Bangladeshi women to work hard and realize their values," Ameerah said.
Bangladesh is still a male-dominated country though it has a female prime minister. Women take less posts in the government and non-government organizations compare with the men.
"Women can do well if they are given a chance," Ameerah said.
"Many Bangladeshi women are taking responsibilities of taking care of the families," she said.
Ameerah encouraged Bangladeshi women to be educated. "If a woman is educated, the whole family will be benefited," she said.
"A woman can have a better life when she is educated," she added.
Ameerah joined the UN in 1976 after getting two master's degrees in America.
Ameerah said that nowadays it is very competitive to apply for a post in UN headquarters. "As a applicant, you must have a good command of languages, you must follow the political and economic development in the world and have a good knowledge of it. That's the basic conditions," she said.
Ameerah has faced many difficulties in her career, saying "from2004 to 2009, I worked in war-ravaged Afghanistan and Sudan. It was quite difficult to work in these countries. There were so many frustrations."
"In those difficult times, strong will and perseverance helped me get through," she added.
Regarding to her new post in Timor-Leste as a special envoy of the UN secretary general which she will take very soon, Ameerah said "I am looking forward to taking the new post. It is a new challenge for me, but I will try my very best to work well."
Women's Work in Urban Bangladesh: Is there an Economic Rationale?
Women's Work in Urban Bangladesh: Is there an Economic Rationale?
Simeen Mahmud
Copyright Institute of Social Studies 1997
ABSTRACT
The general phenomenon that women in Bangladesh engage less frequently in market work than men is commonly explained as the lack of response of female labour to economic imperatives due to the overarching influence of purdah. However, this emphasis on a cultural rationale for gender-differentiated work behaviour diverts attention away from the deep-rooted economic inequalities at the societal level. This article examines women's work in urban Bangladesh from a female labour supply and demand perspective that is rooted in the socio-economic institutional context. The study finds that, despite the strong gender segregation of economic roles, women's roles are more flexible and lend themselves to changing household strategies more easily compared to men's. The evidence indicates that female labour market participation is largely the outcome of the supply effect shaped by the pattern of gender roles and gender-specific access to human capital. Consequently, women are relegated to low-skill market activities and have lower earnings than men, even without any overt discrimination in labour demand. The covert discrimination that leads women to pursue a different pattern of labour use than men is the fundamental gender bias of socio-economic institutions that govern household allocational decisions and dictate gender-specific behaviour.
Simeen Mahmud
Copyright Institute of Social Studies 1997
ABSTRACT
The general phenomenon that women in Bangladesh engage less frequently in market work than men is commonly explained as the lack of response of female labour to economic imperatives due to the overarching influence of purdah. However, this emphasis on a cultural rationale for gender-differentiated work behaviour diverts attention away from the deep-rooted economic inequalities at the societal level. This article examines women's work in urban Bangladesh from a female labour supply and demand perspective that is rooted in the socio-economic institutional context. The study finds that, despite the strong gender segregation of economic roles, women's roles are more flexible and lend themselves to changing household strategies more easily compared to men's. The evidence indicates that female labour market participation is largely the outcome of the supply effect shaped by the pattern of gender roles and gender-specific access to human capital. Consequently, women are relegated to low-skill market activities and have lower earnings than men, even without any overt discrimination in labour demand. The covert discrimination that leads women to pursue a different pattern of labour use than men is the fundamental gender bias of socio-economic institutions that govern household allocational decisions and dictate gender-specific behaviour.
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