Women get to work in Bangladesh

The protests in Bangladesh that began in June 2024, sparked by growing discontent over job opportunities, corruption and economic inequality, culminated in the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. A striking feature of this youth uprising was the active participation and leadership of female students, a testament to the evolving role of women in Bangladesh’s political movements.

Although Bangladesh was first governed by a female prime minister over three decades ago, previous student movements lacked such strong female leadership. The involvement of female students in this protest marked a bold assertion of their rights and autonomy in a society undergoing rapid transformation.

Perceptions of women in Bangladesh have transformed significantly, driven by advances in education, labor market participation and targeted initiatives from the government, non-governmental organizations and international agencies. Microcredit programs, pioneered by interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, have helped empower millions of women by fostering financial independence and challenging traditional gender roles.

While some microcredit initiatives have focused on financial inclusion and poverty alleviation, others have taken a more commercial approach. Despite criticisms of certain microcredit programs, initiatives by Grameen Bank and BRAC among others have been largely successful in expanding financial access and enhancing women’s economic autonomy. Grameen’s efforts to alleviate poverty were recognized with a Nobel Prize, and BRAC’s microcredit operations have also achieved considerable success and international recognition.

Bangladesh has also made significant progress in promoting female education through initiatives like free primary education and stipends for female students. In 2021, the female literacy rate in Bangladesh reached 75.6 per cent, up from 54 per cent in 2000. The growing presence of educated women in universities has normalized female participation in public life.

This shift was evident in the crucial role women played during the recent job quota reform movement. What began as a protest against the civil service job reservation system quickly expanded into a broader demand for equal rights, transparency and democratic governance. The quota system, which reserved 56 per cent of government jobs for various groups, including 30 per cent for families of freedom fighters, was perceived as a barrier to merit-based employment, particularly by young people, including female students.

Women were deeply involved in the protest movement from the outset. Leaders like Nusrat Tabassum and Nahida Bushra emerged as prominent figures, organizing marches, sit-ins and online campaigns that were crucial in sustaining the movement’s momentum in the face of violent government crackdowns. Despite arrests, internet shutdowns and threats of expulsion from universities, female protesters remained resilient. Often at the frontlines, they believed their presence could deter law enforcement from using excessive force—a tactic that often proved effective.

Their participation was not merely symbolic. Women were central to the movement’s strategy and organization. They used social media platforms to coordinate actions, raise awareness and challenge the government’s narratives. This was a reflection of changing gender dynamics in Bangladesh.

Female participation in the workforce has been a significant driver of change in Bangladesh over the past two decades. The female labor force participation rate has increased steadily, reaching 36.3 per cent in 2022, up from 26.1 per cent in 2000. The growth of the ready-made garments sector, where women comprise over 80 per cent of the workforce, has been pivotal in this shift. This economic empowerment has provided women with financial independence and greater political agency as they increasingly challenge the status quo and demand their rights.

Microfinance initiatives provide women with the resources to start businesses and gain financial independence. By 2022, 21.3 per cent of households had deposits with microfinance institutions.

Improvements in female education have further amplified women’s political agency. Government programs for secondary and higher secondary girls’ education have led to sharp increases in female enrollment in schools and universities. By 2021, women made up 43 per cent of university students in Bangladesh, up from 27 per cent in 2000.

The combination of economic empowerment and education has created a new generation of women in Bangladesh who are aware of their rights and willing to fight for them. This was evident in the job quota reform movement, where female students were at the forefront, challenging a system they deemed unjust and discriminatory.

The recent job quota reform movement is a powerful example of how Bangladeshi women continue to assert their political influence and challenge traditional gender norms. This movement highlights a significant shift in how women are perceived and their growing role in shaping the nation’s future.

The quota reform movement in Bangladesh marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history. It not only led to the resignation of a long-standing prime minister but also highlighted the emerging power of women as political actors. The prominent role of female students in the movement highlights the evolving gender dynamics in Bangladesh, where women are increasingly stepping out of traditional roles to become active participants in both the political and economic spheres.

As Bangladesh moves forward, it’s vital to build on the contributions of women. Their participation in the movement is a reminder that gender equality is crucial not just for economic growth but also for political and social justice. Women in Bangladesh have shown they are ready to lead. It’s time for the country to fully embrace their potential.

Asad Islam is Professor of Economics and Director at the Center for Development Economics and Sustainability (CDES), Monash University.

Fariha Kabir is a PhD candidate at Monash University.

The views expressed in this article are the authors’ own.

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