DIU

COURSE # CCE-514 SUBJECT: Management Economics COURSE TEACHER: Associate Prof. Md. Rofiqul Islam

ASSIGNMENT #01 (Role of women empowerment in the economy of Bangladesh)

NAME: LASANIA FERDOUES ROLL #13 EMBA BATCH: 29TH /B SEMESTER-1ST

Introduction:
Our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote- the Good done by the civilization, half created by man and rests by the women. This is an eternal statement about the development of human civilization. From the dawn of the civilization women and men worked together to make the future brighter. In a certain point of the social development process a few socially determined factors created a cultural hemisphere, which pushed the civilization not to think women as equal to the men. This cultural phenomenon changed the thought process of society and the society started discrimination between women and men and ultimately women become a deprived part of society. The glorious Quran and the Hadith also emphasize protection of the rights of women, including the rights of education, worship, freedom of opinion, choice of spouse, economic freedom, and social role. An empowered woman would be one who is self-confident, who critically analyses her environment, and who exercises control over decisions that affect her life. Modern social science looked into the social disorder and termed it as gender discrimination. This discrimination is sharply visible in our social and state level activities and attitude. To address this issue there are many initiatives taken by the state, society, UN system, PVDOs and NGOs over the world. Now women development is a common issue of all UN member nations. By depriving half of the population, that is the women of the nation, the dream of a Digital Bangladesh will remain only a dream. To transform the dream in to reality women development is the most essential part of national development planning; especially it is the pat of National human resource planning.

Definition:
Bangladesh is known as a predominantly male-dominated society with traditional and religious beliefs that restrict womens mobility and participation in economic and social activities. The gender division of labor in rural Bangladesh has been found to be associated with both economic and socio-cultural factors. Rural economic activities within the household were found to have a weak impact on womens empowerment. The major policy implications emerging from the study are (1) enabling and improving the quality of womens education is necessary to increase their participation in marketing activities, for which the gender disparity in earnings is less; and (2) developing desirable social and institutional infrastructures that enable womens mobility outside the home to participate in economic and social activities, and reduce the burden of their domestic work. It is a cruel reality; women are deprived in family and society, in decision making process, in administrative process of governance and most importantly in economic activities. Even the women contribute in the process of social development, which has also financial value, are being ignored by the society. To ensure the participation of women in the said process they need to be empowered mentally,

economically and politically. That is why modern social science termed women development as the Empowerment of Women. Empowerment of women is linked to the total human emancipation.

Policies:
The empowerment of women in Bangladesh is observed bellow which is attempted by the government and NGOs. Womens Political Empowerment: the Impact of Quota on Womens Women in Bangladesh constituting fifty percent of the 130 million people has made important progresses in different development fields. School enrolment increase. Womens entry into garments and related industries. Employment in public and private sector increased. Womens participation in political movements and independence struggles. Strong womens movement strengthened by NGO social development programs contradictorily; however countervailing forces have also been on the rise. Patriarchal structures strengthened conservative values, emerging trend of religious fundamentalism. Women major targets as boundary markers of culture and tradition. Rights of women in family, work place and statehood largely unattained. Rising social and political violence against women. Womens roles in politics and administration made problematic by conservative attitudes and practices. Lack of support to policies for women as womens political participation and empowerment is extremely low. Existing policies not translated to impacts. A growing consensus of political empowerment as a necessary condition for sustained economic and social advancement of women. This presentation is on womens participation and empowerment in governance the impact of quotas on their status and position in the Civil Service, the Parliament and Local government. The objective is to identify and understand the underlying obstacles and potentials of womens effective leadership and advancement.

Constitutional and Legal framework of Women Status Strong constitutional rights and opportunities for women: Article 27, 28 (1) (3): equality in the eyes of the law, no discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and equal protection under law. Article 28(2), 29(1): equal opportunity for men and women in all spheres of state and public life, also in respect to employment in the service of the Republic. Article 65(3): Women are free to contest election from any constituency. Enabling laws framed to enhance womens participation in the economy, in social and political structures. Government policy commitments: PRSP, MDG, CEDAW endorsement in cognizance of the general backward status of women in the country quota was introduced in the CS. 10% reserved quota for women introduced in 1972, made effective in1976 (women debarred from defense services, other posts considered unsuitable) In1985, mandatory 10% reservation for women in gazetted posts, I5 % in non-gazetted posts in addition to merit. Reservation of 60 % posts of primary school teachers for women despite the legal/constitutional backups and quotas women in the CS remained limited. From 1972 to 1983 only 4.89% women recruited in 15 cadres, mostly in education and health and in lower levels. Prior to the quota policy only 6.60 % were women. In the nineties, only 8.56% women in public sector employment. Of them over 90 % in class III and class IV employees. Majority of women in civil service in low-paid and clerical jobs. Women at top administrative and management levels with higher prestige and pay constitute hardly 10%. In 2004, 212 women out of 2,070 gazetted officers in class I and II services. Of 6,541 civil servants about 572 women non- gazetted officers and employees in class III and IV. In Secretariat Ministries and Divisions, only 784 out of 8611 employees females (about 9.1%) Only one Secretary, one Additional Secretary, five Joint Secretaries and eight Deputy Secretaries. Currently only one woman secretary, the highest post in civil administration, a few joint and additional secretaries.

 The situation of women in the CS bottom heavy with most in mid and lower levels of administration quotas did not dramatically increase numbers of women in Civil Service. Only 11% womens representation, quota remains unfilled in most cadres. Skewed distribution, most in education and health, traditionally jobs suitable for women. Recently women opting for administrative services but cannot score high points in the entrance exams. Womens promotions slower, they forego administrative cadre with potential of important decision making posts in the secretariat and in field administration to avoid rigorous training and postings in remote areas, particularly in early and mid career points. Womens promotions often delayed because of non-cooperation of supervising officers, mostly men. The system fails to facilitate development of women career paths resulting in relegation to lower levels. Women in less important administrative and clerical jobs in class III and IV categories, lack of adequate educational background. Generally women not favored by the quotas, in womens large scale entrance to Civil Service or attaining positions of authority and responsibility Women in Parliament A quota of reserved seats for women in Parliament adopted by the State. The first government in 1972 reserved 15 in addition to 300 general seats in Parliament for women for 10 years. Amendment in 1978 increased this to 30, extended the period of reservation to 15 years. System interrupted in1987, no provision for womens seat in the 1988 parliamentary election. Reinstated by tenth Amendment in 1990, 30 seats for 10 years. On expiration of this in 2000 neither incumbent government nor newly elected one in 2001 moved to reinstate quota. One year to the end of its term the government enacted reservation of 45 additional seats for women. (Country currently under Caretaker government with parliament standing dissolved. The CG advisory group of ten reshuffled several times since its takeover in January 2007. Five women as against 23 men were/are by turn in the Council of Advisors in the CG) Womens presence in Parliament is token and symbolic.

 Womens entry to parliament through nomination retrogressive to the process of womens political participation. Chosen on basis of party allegiance, not on merit/qualification, women represent neither women nor general constituencies. Nomination adversely affects development and maturity of women as party members. Parties not obliged to nominate women for general seats; they are ornamental to the party and the Parliament. Women hold minor positions in mainstream parties though ironically women head the two major ones, positioned by default through dynastic control. Women parliamentarians became yes persons to parties, obliged for the opportunity to enjoy all rights, privileges due to parliament members including the right to vote on motions. Nominated women considered only for deputy ministers office headed by male minister. Quota became instrument for use of women in Parliament for party purposes. In the last eight Parliaments a total of not more than 10 were elected to office. Most important objective of quota in Parliament, that of enabling and promoting women to hold office of authority, represent their constituencies could not be reached Women in local government Unlike in the CS and Parliament reservation of seats for women councilors in the elected local government more effective. Milestone legislation in 1997 opened the door for womens participation by reservation of 25% seats in the lowest level rural councils, Union Parishads (UP), the urban Municipalities and the City Corporations. More than 40000 women contested, 15000 elected directly to the UP with similar participation recorded for the urban councils. This demonstration of womens active engagement in public, political arena unleashed great enthusiasm among growing numbers of community women leaders, an unprecedented scenario in the countryside. Sudden appearance, activation of large numbers of women in the public sphere shook up the bases of male power structure both in the councils and outside. Threatened male leaders resisted women councilors participation in local governance. A similar situation was witnessed in the case of the urban municipalities and City Corporations. The new law enabled women to be elected to the councils but made their effective participation problematic; womens constituency overlapped with those of three other members, mostly men; roles, functional jurisdiction for reserve seat not specified. Gap in the law provided male councilors opportunity to refuse womens right to participate, have access to information, resources.

 On protest by women councilors, concerned local community, civil society, the government assigned functions for women by orders and circulars. Not effective with women not aware of mechanisms of implementation, male resistance persisted. Strong deterrent to womens participation manifested in lower numbers of women contestants in the second round of elections Due to incompleteness of the reformed policy, quota for womens representation in local government councils did not enhance their participation. Lack of implementation monitoring and responsiveness to emerging issues allowed the continued male resistance. Societal reluctance to accept women leadership, a new phenomenon and family noncooperation obstructed women councilors participation. First timers in the formal world political institutions, women severely handicapped by lack of knowledge and understanding of formal functions, responsibilities Absence of support, efforts to organize councilors for collective voice and action, frustrated women in their new roles However continuous training, program support gradually encouraged them to face challenges. Being large in numbers helped women gain confidence in raising collective voice. UP women councilors now engage in interaction with local government departments for access to information, activities in facing the challenge of male councilors. The female Commissioners of one of the City Corporations filed a writ petition, won from the court the right to participate in all functions of elected councils Conclusion and reflection on future action. Process of womens empowerment in local government: Immediate review and revision of the faulty law, ensuring function and roles, adequate resources and logistical facilities to women. Ensure direct access to relevant information to women councilors Facilitate networking of women councilors Ensure extensive training for councilors on LG and gender issues Ensure election to all LG s, Upazilla and District in order to enlarge number of elected women representatives

Suggested Future Actions: In the CS the quota failed to create much impact particularly at the higher positions due to inadequate education, social, family obligations, insensitive attitude of men in the services, lack of appropriate monitoring of implementation of quota policy, no responsiveness towards emerging issues etc. After over three decades of Independence and despite affirmative actions women still constitute not more than 12% in Class I Services. In all categories of government jobs women hold less that the quota reserved for them. Following from these a few measures may be suggested for making the quota effective in the CS: Focused attention to provision of lateral entry of women to higher levels of administration Priority in career advancement of female candidates as interim measure for a certain period of time Careful monitoring of implementation, quick measures to address the emerging issues Motivate female officers to join challenging cadres involving transfers, frequent mobility; ensuring adequate support structures Ensure appropriate accommodation, transport, schools and health facilities for children of female officials Rigorous enforcement of such government orders as placement of couples in government service in same or adjacent regions The reservation of parliament seats for women filled by nomination proved a farce Lack of willingness of parties in power to advance political role of women in the national context a key reason for failure of quota system to empower women in Parliament All parties in government avoided enabling capable, qualified women to enter Parliament by introducing direct election of women reserved seats Nomination allowed to continue only for benefit of the parties Womens movement demands actively engaging with different governments for reform cater around the following: Constitutional provision of 60-100 reserved seats for women on rotational basis, raising the total number of seats to 360-400. Clear demarcation of separate constituencies for women seats Infrastructure and other facilities for women candidates Mandatory nomination for women by all political parties Reduction of limit to election expenditures The effectiveness of women to directly elected reserved seats in Local Government marred by the flaws in the law, posed challenges to participation. Overlapping, larger constituencies, un-clarity in orders, lack of

information and orientation, social-cultural obstacles and stiff resistance by men are issues hindering women Representing the quota in local government served as a key instrument for opening the door to formal political institutions to a large number of women at community level Being elected on their own right and merit enables women councilors to raise voice, demand for due rights Facilitated large numbers of grassroots women to occupy formal political space, a potential process towards formation of critical mass for social, political transformation Changing womens role in family, society and politics hold potential of change in attitudes towards women Presence in large numbers holds potential of formation of counter forces against conservatism and patriarchal structure Created aspirations for public/political role among community women Actions suggested to strengthen Process of political empowerment of women in Bangladesh slow in spite of strong constitutional mandates and policy for advancement of womens rights. Quotas in three critical sectors of governance, the Civil Service, the Parliament and the Local government not equally effective in facilitating womens participation & representation Add from write-up, go to recons in 3 sectors, conclude with the following points Adoption of quotas does not ensure womens effective roles: appropriate implementation, continued support important Willingness of government to empower women is essential for quota or any other instrument to facilitate Womens participation and representation in the political space.

Programs:
Bangladesh is one of the rare examples of Muslim women empowerment in the Ummah today, but it has not been achieved in a day. Bangladeshi society is traditionally very conservative, and it was not so long ago when the women were neglected throughout society. Historically, Bangladeshi society believed that women should stay at home and manage the household, and even be denied the basic rights given by Islam. It was a time when women were forbidden to acquire knowledge. Men were the dominating force and they were born to dominate everything. Women could not eat if the men were not eating. As in other Muslim societies, the Bangladeshi social system did not consider the contribution of women to be important to society. Unfortunately we were ignoring the economic contribution of 46 to 55 percent of

society. Today, time is pushing women to equip themselves to face the challenges of the new millennium, to share responsibilities, to improve their position, and to be in the front line. Government agencies and non-governmental agencies play an important role behind the empowerment of Bangladeshi women. Can you believe a society that has gone from being dominated by men to having women leaders elected as the prime minister and the opposition leader? Traditional views are moving toward a modern mentality through proper education and a foundation upon the understanding of human rights. However, there are some other reasons why there is empowerment of women in Bangladesh. Moreover, more than half of the credit goes to women for their own empowerment amidst the conservative Bangladeshi society. Bangladeshi women now have equal rights, benefits, and the freedom to have a career in society not only because they are getting various opportunities from the government and society, but also because of their hard work and sacrifices. Even though men are appreciating, supporting, and helping women in some aspects, on the domestic front, while women have taken on the additional role of providing an income to their families, men have not yet taken up their share of the responsibility in family life. Responsibility for the children, for instance, is still seen as belonging to the mother only. Although women have equal rights to men today, they are facing many challenges and hardships through working both inside and outside the household. Traditionally, mostly men worked outside while women stayed at home and took care of the children and household duties. Today, both men and women have similar work patterns; therefore, they are both facing conflict in their relationships for not providing that extra time to share and care for the family. Women are working two shifts, which creates pressure and a burden on them. Modernity brings revolution in our social lives; however, with so many advantages, modernity has also brought with it some problems to family life. Bangladesh has initiated tuition-free girls education up to Class 8-Intermediate if girls are eager. In the garment industry women laborers are well appreciated for their work ability and sincerity. The garment industry has initiated womens economic participation. A five percent increase in the number of seats reserved for women in Parliament is another step toward empowerment. Government offices have reserved quotas for women. All of this is well documented by the Human Resources Division under the United Nations as well as the fact that Bangladesh is a pioneering country in gender empowerment with many success stories. The progress made in gender empowerment in many sectors has been recognized by donors. The interrelation between poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and women empowerment is much emphasized. One of the unique features of women empowerment in Bangladesh is that it is not limited to the big cities. Bangladeshi rural women are also empowered at a similar speed to women in the big cities. Rural women are staying at home but are contributing a lot to the countrys economy. With the changes of time and the empowerment of women, there have also been changes in attitude toward women among the masses of Bangladeshi society, which was once male dominated. The more educated in the urban areas are more flexible and positive about women empowerment although

womens position can still be controversial. The tremendous achievement of women within a short period of time in Bangladesh can be an eye-opener for many Muslim societies where women empowerment is an unfamiliar word to many. As government activities are concern, the Ministry of women and children affairs is the key organ to look after the development and interest of the women flock of the country. This government organ is working through the department of women affairs and Jatio Mohila Parishad directly for the betterment of women.As Bangladesh is a part of Beijing platform for action, several ministries including women affairs, education, agriculture, environment and forest, fisheries, health and family welfare, home, industry, labor, law, local government, rural development, social welfare and Planning are working in an integrated manner for empowering the women. As political empowerment is concern, it has started form the year 1996 when Sheik Hasina was leading the government as prime minister. At that period, directly elected representatives from women was included in local government level. Presently this process gets extra momentum as one vice-chairman at Upazilla level already been included and deputy mayor at municipality level is going to be included. Moreover substantial number of women was nominated in last parliamentary election from Awami league led coalition, which obtained mandate form the people. One thing must be mentioned that number of women parliamentarian is the record in 9th parliament that indicates the political development among women. Social empowerment of women is deep rooted in the mind set of a society, which contents in women and men both. Some time both of the section of society contents similar idea on an issue that could be against women empowerment. To overcome social barriers, it needs a movement, which already been started in our society. Once conservatives are now not that much of against to the women role, which is enriching the society and state. In true sense social empowerment of women depends on the progressiveness of state, society and individuals. Present government is secular in nature, stronger to create progressive social mobilization and that is the ray of hope to build a society with openness, where women will be socially empowered. Economical empowerment of women remains with the involvement of women in economic activities. This initiative is also already been started in the frame of our state and society. As an election commitment, this government is also more attentive to the women participation in economic activities. Employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship are the main segments of economic activities. To encourage women for performing in economy, it is not only the responsibility of government alone. Public-Private partnership, GO-NGO partnership and Private initiative are the needs to make the women economically empowered. For a digital Bangladesh, all activities related to the women empowerment are also connected to the philosophy of digital Bangladesh Approach. So women need to be digitally empowered. As the ground is being prepared to empowering women in social, political and economical level, it could be hoped that our mothers and sisters will be emancipated soon.

Recommendations:
In view of eliminating gender discrimination, Bangladesh also has many initiatives in rural and urban areas both. Considering all those social phenomena, present government included Women development in priorities and it was also one of the election commitments that given to the people by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It was told that Digital Bangladesh is a dream of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that expressed the willingness to use IT in the field of management, administration and governance to ensure transparency, accountability and answerability at all levels of society and state. Most women like to keep themselves invisible. Visibility of women will have to be ensured to reduce poverty because development is not possible ignoring women who constitute almost half of the entire population, the executive director of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) said addressing the roundtable. Reduction of poverty is impossible without addressing the issues of discrimination, deprivation, devaluation and injustice against women, Around 85 percent of women are now living under the poverty line. We have to bring these women into the mainstream and that is only possible when their economic and political empowerment can be ensured, only strong political will can succeed in making womens empowerment a reality by eliminating all kinds of violence and discrimination against women. Women should be given space in political parties so that they can play a vital role in policy-making. Women have an immense contribution in the countrys economy and yet they continue to face discrimination in every aspect of life, especially at work. Women should not be considered only as potential voters but also as an important part of the society, he said adding that access to property and land remains a big problem in empowering them socially and economically. People are not ignorant about the issue of violence against women and as they are not empowered, they are not able to protest against such activities. Legal measures are needed to deal with womens development and existing legal measures are not enough. Education for women should be given top priority among the steps taken towards their empowerment. Womens organizations have to run a united movement in the country to establish womens rights in the country, he said adding that a social movement also has to be created for women. a platform comprising leaders of political parties and activists of social and cultural organizations is needed to raise the issue of women and their rights. Women empowerment is not possible unless they are empowered to make political decisions, she said, adding, We have to wage a movement comprising women and men, who believe in womens empowerment, to eradicate poverty as well as establish womens rights in the country. Empowering women economically is a must for empowering them politically Barrister Tania Ameer,
chairperson of the board of trustees of PRIP Trust, said men constitute only half of the population but they take away 95 percent of resources. In left-wing politics, women work in the forefronts while in right-wing politics, the attitude towards women is totally negative, she pointed out. The state has to take responsibility in empowering women economically and politically. it is not possible to empower women until the issue of poverty reduction has been addressed.

Conclusion:
Proper education can ensure womens empowerment in all spheres of life and so it is necessary to ensure womens education. Proper development of the country depends on the development of women. Political and legal empowerment is imperative to establishing womens rights. Only politicians can bring qualitative changes to the lives of people and a strong political will is a must to empower women at all strata of life. Womens empowerment is yet to be ensured even though they have been playing a vital role in national development especially in the garments, agriculture and industrial sectors of the country. It is high time to create awareness among the political parties so that they increase women representatives in political parties candidate nomination ahead of the parliament election, he said while delivering the welcome address at the roundtable. As the society is yet male dominated, the contribution of women journalist as professional and as women is very important to the process of social changes and development. Because the society should go more in terms of progressive thinking. Women have to be brought into the mainstream of national development process through economic and political empowerment in order to accelerate poverty alleviation in the country. In present time, Bangladesh is more encouraging for women to work outside the home. Although it is true that many men in Bangladesh now appreciate women empowerment and want their partner to be in the same position as they are themselves, they are giving up the mental support needed by their partners and the responsibilities of the household. In Bangladesh, increasing numbers of women are working toward their own empowerment. Women themselves are very active, brave, and courageous; they are motivated and work hard to establish their rights even after going through a lot of struggle and challenges. Bangladeshi women are involved in every sector, especially business and politics. A significant number of women are now driving forces behind the family income. Womens invisible contribution to the economic development of the country is significant, as much as 85 percent.