In the third instalment of Tong Conversations, Syeda Salina Aziz, Fellow of Practice at BIGD, invited a diverse group of discussants to explore the causes of the growing gender gap in optimism and its sociopolitical implications. The discussants included Dr Sohela Nazneen, Research Fellow of the Institute of Development Studies; Dr Rohini Kamal, Assistant Professor and Research Fellow at BIGD; and BIGD’s young researchers: Shamsad Navia Novelly, Sumaiya Tasnim, Zarine Anan Khondoker, Sheikh Arman Tamim and Inteemum Ahsan.
The conversation opened with a deep dive into the survey findings, raising questions about why women feel less optimistic than men. One of the central factors is the perception about women’s role and their representation in politics. A UN study revealed that globally 59% of people believe men are better suited for leadership than women. It is a belief that mirrors attitudes in Bangladesh. The panellists noted that women are often dismissed as serious voters or political actors, with societal assumptions that their votes merely reflect family decisions. This narrative is not exclusive to Bangladesh. The panel drew parallels with Pakistan, where women are largely overlooked during political campaigns and are expected to focus on domestic responsibilities rather than civic participation. These patterns of exclusion contribute to a universal sense of disenfranchisement among women, further eroding their optimism.
Safety concerns also loom large. A surge in harassment has further dampened women’s outlook. “দেশ স্বাধীন হলো, আর তার পরের দিন থেকেই রাস্তায় মানুষ comment করতে শুরু করলো – ওড়না ভালো মতো পেঁচাও”( The country gained independence, and from the very next day, people on the streets started commenting – ‘Wrap your scarf properly), “আগে এক দল harass করত, দুই দিন পর এখন আরেক দল করছে”( Before, one group used to harass; now, two days later, another group is doing it) – a reality underscored by personal anecdotes shared by some of the discussants. This persistent fear not only restricts women’s mobility but also curtails their independence and deeply impacts their overall outlook on life.
Drawing from Egypt’s 2011 Tahrir Square uprising, Dr. Nazneen highlighted how women had an active participation in the protests, and yet subsequent reforms saw the removal of women’s quotas due to their lack of representation in decision-making positions. A similar scenario emerged in Bangladesh during the post-revolution period. One prominent female protester was appointed as an advisor in the Detective Branch of the Metropolitan Police, a move which was initially celebrated. However, she quickly disappeared from the public sphere, raising questions about whether women will truly have a voice in shaping the future.
Political factors aside, economic pressures also play a significant role in the growing gender gap in optimism. Inflation and increasing costs of living impact people in the lower income bracket, particularly women. Women from lower-income households often bear the brunt of managing family needs during times of crisis. Even when they don’t have to provide, the stress of managing the entire family leaves women feeling increasingly vulnerable.
The conversation continued on women of the lower-middle class—a group disproportionately affected during crises like COVID-19 and also during the recent uprising. While overall optimism has reached new heights post-uprising, the gender gap in this sentiment has widened, and women in the poorest socioeconomic bracket remain least hopeful. And why wouldn’t they be? A recent protest in the ready-made garments sector highlighted hiring discrimination against women. Yet, the public discourse shifted to their income levels rather than addressing the root issue of gender disparity in hiring. Rohini Kamal aptly summarized, “যখন gender নিয়ে কথা আসে, সেটা ধামাচাপা দেওয়া হয়”(Whenever gender issues arise, they’re pushed under the rug). This kind of systemic neglect is a glaring reason for the decline in women’s optimism.
Bangladesh has often celebrated its progress on women’s rights—reduced maternal mortality, increased access to education—but have these achievements been taken for granted? The discussants raised a pressing question: Are the rights we assumed were secure actually safe in this new political era? Will they be reevaluated under the current government? For real progress all the stakeholders must have open discussions where no one’s autonomy is compromised. As Dr. Nazneen emphasized, “Everyone has a right to shape their own life, and no one should take that away.”
The panellists then reflected on the direction Bangladesh was heading towards. Are we moving forward or reverting to old patterns? The answers lie in examining current practices. Women may have the right to work, but societal attitudes and systemic barriers continue to hinder their progress. For instance, there is still a pervasive belief that women in the workplace are to blame for rising male unemployment. Some even argued that the country was lagging because it had a female leader. These aren’t just fringe opinions; they reflect deep-seated societal biases that influence everyday realities for women.
Accountability remains elusive. A recent Facebook post questioning, “Are women facing more harassment now?” received over 2,500 shares. These experiences underline the harsh truth that things are not as progressive as they seem. When women are being criticized, they are criticized for how they dress and speak, not for the content or r quality of work or opinion. As Sumaiya noted, sentiments like “এখন দেশ গঠনের সময়। এখন এত সময় নেই। এখন আমরা নারী আনতে পারব না। যারা যোগ্য, তাদেরই নেব।” (This is the time for rebuilding the country; we don’t have time to involve women—we’ll take those who are qualified), highlight how women are still perceived as a separate entity from qualifications and competence.
As the discussion drew to a close, the panel reflected on actionable steps for a more inclusive future. Acknowledging women’s contributions is a good starting point. Many women were among the first responders to the wounded during the protests, yet their efforts went unrecognized. Gender-focused analyses of economic reforms and systemic changes are essential. Representation at local and rural levels should be prioritized to ensure policies reflect the needs of all citizens. Building citizenship from the grassroots level and addressing local issues can create a foundation for a more equitable society.
In the final moments, the panel reminded everyone that this struggle is not just for women; it’s for everyone, and yes, it is interdependent and multi-layered. Reflecting on the vision of ‘Bangladesh 2.0’, which is often described as “দ্বিতীয় স্বাধীনতা”(second independence), the discussants emphasized that no society can truly be free if one group remains oppressed. True freedom requires the dismantling of all forms of injustice. Only then can Bangladesh live up to its revolutionary promise of an inclusive and hopeful future for all its citizens.
