More than five decades after independence, Bangladesh’s women’s rights movement continues to advance -- often unevenly -- through a mix of progress and persistent challenges.
Activists frequently compare the journey to the familiar riddle of a monkey climbing a slippery bamboo pole: each step forward sometimes followed by a slide back.
Over the years, women in Bangladesh have achieved significant gains.
The constitution guarantees equal rights, access to education has expanded, and millions of women have entered the workforce, particularly through the country’s garment industry.
Political representation has also grown through reserved seats in parliament and increasing participation in public life.
Yet rights advocates say the broader struggle for gender equality remains unfinished.
While laws exist to protect women, issues such as violence, child marriage, workplace discrimination and limited political participation continue to shape the realities faced by many women.
Activists argue that weak enforcement of laws, lengthy judicial processes, social stigma and limited institutional support often prevent victims from seeking justice.
Progress and gaps
Women’s representation in national politics illustrates both advancement and setbacks.
According to Election Commission data, women initially entered parliament through 15 reserved seats in the first parliament (1973–1975).
Representation gradually expanded over time, reaching 70 female members in the ninth parliament, when the number of reserved seats was increased.
However, representation has fluctuated in recent elections, reflecting the continuing challenge of translating formal inclusion into sustained political power.
At the same time, broader social indicators also highlight ongoing concerns.
According to Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a total of 2,808 incidents of violence against women and girls were reported in 2025, including 786 cases of rape.
Rights groups say such figures reflect both the persistence of gender-based violence and the barriers women face in accessing protection and justice.
Economic participation has also shown signs of strain.
UN Women reported a decline in the number of female migrant workers travelling to Gulf countries compared with 2024.
Meanwhile, participation of women in Bangladesh’s garment sector -- long seen as a driver of female economic empowerment -- has also shown signs of contraction.
Voices from the movement
Feminist researcher Khushi Kabir described the history of the movement as one marked by gradual progress, even when setbacks occur.
“The struggle often feels like we are one step behind,” she said.
“But more people beyond activist circles are now speaking about women’s rights, and that itself is a sign of change.”
Garment sector activist Taslima Akhter, a leader of the Garment Workers Solidarity movement, argued that progress should not be measured solely through economic participation.
“Women must also build civic identity and political participation,” she said, emphasizing that true empowerment requires women to shape policies and institutions, not just participate in the labour market.
For Fauzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, the country has witnessed visible progress as successive generations of women have entered education, professions and public life.
However, she noted that institutions and social traditions often fall short of delivering the full promise of equality.
“Opponents are now compelled to address women’s issues precisely because women have advanced,” she said.
“But the work of ensuring justice and equality is far from complete.”
An unfinished journey
Rights advocates say the theme of “Rights, Justice and Action” -- often highlighted during discussions on International Women’s Day -- captures the current moment of the movement.
Legal recognition of rights has expanded, but implementation remains uneven.
Social attitudes are evolving, yet structural barriers persist in politics, employment and justice systems.
Still, activists remain optimistic that continued advocacy and public awareness will gradually strengthen women’s position in society.
For many within the movement, the image of climbing a slippery bamboo pole is not a symbol of failure but of resilience -- each setback part of a longer ascent toward equality.
As Bangladesh marks International Women’s Day, women’s rights advocates say the goal is clear: ensuring that progress achieved over decades translates into lasting justice, dignity and equal opportunity for women across the country.