Female political leaders in Bangladesh expressed frustration over the way they had been treated by male leaders of their own parties.
Women leaders were invited to share their experience at a round table discussion titled ‘‘Women’s Political Leadership in Bangladesh in Celebration of International Women’s Day’’ held at Lakeshore Hotel in the capital’s Gulshan 2 area yesterday.
Salina Hayat Ivy, Mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation said: “Political party leaders should consider us as human beings rather than as women. If men changed their perspectives towards women, then we would have achieved success.”
Begum Selima Rahman, vice-chairperson of BNP, said: “Local female politicians were elected only as a formality. They are not invited in any meeting. The situation of female ward councillors is also the same.”
Mahfuza Begum, chairman of Chauhali upazila of Sirajganj district, said: “Several hindrances are created when a woman enters into politics. We are still developing in terms of creating an educated nation.”
She observed if women are elected as local leaders, local females could easily express their problems.
Former election commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Sakhawat Hussain said: “Political parties only talk about political empowerment of women, but don’t usually give nominations to them. Several female leaders made complaints to me that they were ignored in their own parties.”
“Women Vice-chairs [of local bodies] have to depend on chairmen for transportation, and are insulted many a times. The government can provide separate transportation for them.”
Abdul Moyeen Khan, BNP Standing committee member said: “Having females as prime minister and opposition leader, doesn’t necessarily represent a women empowered country.
The empowerment can only be justified if women’s rights are ensured in every sector, he added.
Dipu Moni, Awami League lawmaker identified three Big ‘‘M’’s which denote “money, muscle and men” as the major drawbacks for implementing women empowerment in Bangladesh.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Robert W Gibson and Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad, were present.