Nightmare of insecurity and International Women's Day

This International Women's Day brings a profound message of concern and anxiety for women. Throughout history, women in this country have never been completely safe, but the current situation has surpassed all past limits. Violence and abuse against women have reached new heights, and due to the indifference of authorities and changes in societal attitudes, women now feel more unsafe than ever before.

Women are facing harassment even for trivial reasons. Recently, in Lalmatia, Dhaka, two students were attacked by a mob over allegations of smoking, leaving many astonished. There seems to be nothing left of women's safety in the country. A recent incident at Dhaka University involved a female student being harassed by Mostafa Asif, an assistant binder at the university's central library, regarding her attire. The student filed a complaint with the proctor's office and registered a case at Shahbagh police station, leading to the harasser's arrest. However, he was later paraded out by hundreds of people as a hero. This indicates that a certain segment of society supports violence against women, moral policing, and even physical assaults. The situation is truly disheartening, especially in a country like Bangladesh, which has been a fertile ground for women's movements for over five decades.

An 8-year-old child was raped in Magura. The child died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College. Such incidents happen often, in cities, in villages, and without interruption. Yet there is no protest. To this day, not a single religious organization has been seen opposing violence against women. No one has dared to utter a word regarding incidents of rape. Instead, these religious extremists create mobs and dictate to women: "Adjust your scarves, don't smoke in public, don't work in offices, observe the veil, don't walk on the streets, don't even breathe. Your only role is to manage the household and be objects of male pleasure and entertainment."

While the fourth wave of the women's movement is sweeping across countries worldwide, women in our nation remain anxious about their basic safety in public spaces. Women's security is increasingly at risk, creating barriers to their dignity, safety, freedom of movement, and personal choices. This leads to violations of human rights and negatively impacts their everyday lives.

A particular segment of society's silence against violence against women and sympathy for offenders has become pronounced. Religious fanaticism and misguided social values are imposing restrictions on women's freedom of movement, clothing, education, and careers. Efforts to enforce specific behaviors on girls and the pressure exerted on women in the name of "moral policing" are depriving them of their fundamental rights.

Religious profiteers perceive violence against women as legitimate not only in public spaces but also within homes and anywhere else. When a woman is abused, they remain silent, showing no disapproval or reprimand. Instead, they are often active in protecting offenders. They support violence against other religions, endorse atrocities against women, and even, in some cases, murder. By inciting mobs, they contribute to the instability of the nation. The influence of religious extremists has significantly increased during the interim government's tenure.

However, women in our country were supposed to have progressed to a different level by now. They were meant to be engaged in the struggle for personal freedom and full self-development. Yet, they remain trapped in a cycle of sexual harassment and insecurity. How can they participate in the fight for a better life under such circumstances?

Looking at the women's movements in developed countries, we can't help but feel a sense of shame. They are creating wave after wave of movements, while we seem to take one step forward and three steps back. The late 19th century and the early 20th century marked the first wave of Western women's movements, which crashed into America, England, the Netherlands, and Canada, with the primary demand being women's right to vote. In 1960, the second wave of the women's movement began. All forms of gender discrimination were challenged, with demands for rights in work, reproductive health, and sexual autonomy rising to the forefront with this wave. In 1992, Rebecca Walker wrote about the famous case of Anita Hill, who accused her former supervisor, Clarence Thomas, of sexual harassment in the workplace. This allegation became a significant obstacle in Thomas's path to becoming a Supreme Court Justice in the United States. Ultimately, the Senate confirmed him with a narrow 52-48 vote, sparking outrage among women. Rebecca declared, "I am the post-feminism. I am not a feminist. I am the third wave." Gradually, the third wave incorporated issues such as women's property rights, divorce rights, domestic violence prevention, and marital rape. Due to these varied demands, the structure of the movement evolved to adopt a more individualistic approach.

The first wave of the women's movement brought legal victories, and similar successes were seen in the second and third waves as well. In Bangladesh, several important laws were enacted, including The Bangladesh Women & Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 (amended in 2003 and 2020), the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (DVPPA) of 2010, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention) Policy of 2012, and the National Women Development Policy of 2011. However, despite these advancements, the situation remains dire. Surveys indicate that 80% of women in the workplace experience sexual harassment or unwanted touching, and at home, at least 82% of women face some form of sexual harassment. Merely enacting laws is not enough to resolve these issues; ensuring their effective implementation is crucial. In Bangladesh, there is a significant shortfall in this regard.

In various countries worldwide, a movement has emerged advocating for open discussions about women's issues. Movements like "Slut Walk" and productions such as "The Vagina Monologues" have been created, disregarding any criticism or praise. These initiatives have inspired women globally to enter all kinds of high-risk professions. The "Me Too" movement has also shaken the world, empowering women to share their experiences and stand against harassment and discrimination.

The feminist movement encompasses a variety of theoretical frameworks, including socialist, radical, and intersectional perspectives. However, in discussing these complexities, it is essential to focus on a crucial point. In the current "post-postmodern" era, the significant socio-economic disparities that have emerged due to globalization have hindered a unified movement for women's rights. This is evident when examining feminist issues today. While the upper echelons of society seek freedom in clothing choices, others are preoccupied with simply protecting their bodies in crowded public transport. Similarly, while some are advocating for equality in domestic labor, many still strive to escape the abuses of alcoholic husbands.

Society's dialogue is stuck in a void between two factions, each revolving in its orbit. The two voices fail to converge, preventing the women's movement from becoming a united front. In the quest for women's rights and economic equality, significant disparities continue to create obstacles. Overcoming these challenges is daunting. Consequently, the struggle against economic inequality often takes precedence over feminist battles. Where this divide exists, societal resonance arises—leading to protests and movements, such as the fight against rape. In this feminist struggle, it is essential to involve men, to amplify the movement and create a stronger coalition.

There is a pressing need for a new fourth wave for women's dignity, safety, and equal rights. This movement should not only focus on women's rights but also encompass the fight against fundamentalism and the elimination of economic and social inequalities. Such a wave has the potential to unite women and create a society based on equal rights for all.

We are waiting for that new change that will truly grant women the right to live safely, with dignity, and in freedom. To achieve this, we must gear up for the fight. There is no other path for the affected without struggle. We should make the vow this International Women's Day.

Chiroranjan Sarker: Columnist