As I was growing up, I was always confused by our society's widespread preference for sons over daughters. I encountered this bias when visiting my relatives or my village. I did not have any brothers, and it seemed like wherever I went, outsiders would be overly concerned about who would look after my parents in their old age. Patriarchal systems, that put women in subordinate roles and impose a dominance structure on human civilizations, are the root cause of gender disparity. In 2015, the Bangladesh Bureau of statistics depicted that 80.2% women in Bangladesh have tolerated violence and ill treatment in their lives from inside and outside of home. Like many other places in the world, gender inequality is still a major social problem in Bangladesh. This South Asian nation has patriarchal systems and practices that have an impact on the lives of its people, particularly women. From the corridors of power to the confines of the home, male dominance is evident in many aspects of Bangladeshi society, exacerbates inequality, and hinders the advancement of gender equality. Patriarchy has many varied expressions in Bangladesh, with various forms of oppression having a variety of impacts on women. Education, for instance—often hailed as the great equalizer—remains out of reach for many girls living in rural regions because of socioeconomic constraints and deeply embedded stereotypes. A 15-year-old girl from a rural area of Bangladesh named Mim had dreamed of becoming a doctor and had completed her SSC exam with great scores. Her family, however, felt that it was preferable for a girl to marry early and that she did not need to continue her education past matriculation. They thought that if an older female waited too long, no one would want to marry her. Sadly, her aspirations to become a doctor were crushed when she was eventually forced into marriage.
The impacts of patriarchy in Bangladeshi society echo through generations, hindering progress towards gender equality and societal harmony. Patriarchal norms pose significant risks, deepening existing inequalities and impeding socio-economic development. Unchecked patriarchy promotes gender-based violence, inflicting immediate harm and perpetuating cycles of trauma, hindering women's full participation in society. Moreover, patriarchal attitudes restrict women's access to education and employment opportunities, depriving Bangladesh of the talents and contributions of half its population. For instance, Ranuara Begum lived in an era dominated by male authority, where traditional norms dictated every aspect of life. In a society where girls were viewed as burdens rather than assets, she followed a script of conformity ingrained from birth. Obedience was not a choice but a duty imposed by her parents and, later, her husband. With a limited agency, her dreams were shattered by patriarchal dictates, leaving her little room for independent thought. From a futuristic perspective, the persistence of patriarchy may worsen demographic challenges, such as gender disparity. Additionally, existing gender hierarchies foster resentment and conflict, impeding efforts to build inclusive communities. Without intervention, these trends threaten Bangladesh's sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.
The social problem of patriarchy in Bangladeshi society demands urgent attention and concerted efforts toward change for several compelling reasons:
1. Patriarchy causes systemic inequalities, depriving women of equal opportunities in education,
employment, and decision-making roles thus underutilizing the talents and contributions of half its population. Cultural norms and family pressures often force women to prioritize domestic responsibilities over their careers. 2. The existing gender hierarchy reinforced by patriarchy fosters a culture of gender-based violence and discrimination, which not only inflicts immediate harm but also leads to cycles of trauma and insecurity. A Report of “Odhikar” 18 shows that: For dowry in Bangladesh in 2018, 71 women were killed, 69 were physically abused, and 2 committed suicide, about 157 girls were the victim of sexual harassment, 9 committed suicide, 2 were killed, 33 were injured, 27 were assaulted, 4 were abducted and 73 were victims of rape attempts. 3. Patriarchy Creates Rapists- In our society, there is a prevailing belief that men possess power and can exert control, a notion reinforced by various aspects of our culture, including family dynamics, rituals, and societal values. Unfortunately, the concept of respecting every individual and upholding their dignity is often lacking. Growing up in a patriarchal environment, we witness instances of derogatory remarks towards women, which are unfortunately normalized and accepted as common behavior.
To liberate women from the shackles of patriarchy and its harmful effects, we must take proactive steps on multiple fronts. As a social change maker, I plan to launch a mentorship program in rural areas where women can connect with successful female role models who can offer them guidance and support in various aspects of life. By providing mentorship opportunities, we can empower young girls and realize their full potential. Furthermore, I aim to open up an organization where only women will work, offering flexible work arrangements like remote options and adaptable schedules as well as offering transportation services operated by female drivers. By creating a supportive environment, we can empower women facing societal barriers to employment, and who are confined in households enabling them to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the workforce. All in all, despite significant progress in all aspects of human life, men persist in dominating society socially, economically, and politically. Therefore, it's crucial for women globally to recognize their potential and assert themselves to challenge the societal norms favoring male power. In the words of Mackenzi Lee in the book The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, “I do not need reasons to exist. I do not need to justify the space I take up in this world.” It's time for women to stand firm and strive for a more balanced and equitable world.
