Zaima Rahman urges political parties to ensure safety, support for women

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman has urged political parties to take responsible action to remove structural and institutional barriers that hinder women’s participation in politics, stressing that commitments must translate into concrete reforms.

Speaking at a roundtable titled “Women in the Struggle for Democracy: Contributions, Duties and Responsibilities,” organised by Women in Democracy (WIND) at the BIISS auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday (February 8), she said a truly enabling environment for women requires daycare facilities, mentorship, financing, security, and a shift in mindset.

She noted that daycare centres should go beyond token presence, with trained staff, age-appropriate services, nutritious food, and proper healthcare. Without such support systems, she said, it becomes difficult for women to remain active in politics or the workplace.

She emphasised the need to build a strong “lifeline” for women from the outset of their political journey—covering recruitment, training, and retention—adding that sustainability of opportunities is as important as access.

Highlighting the role of mentorship, Rahman said young women need guidance from experienced figures in politics and civic engagement, a responsibility that political parties must assume.

On financing, she called for dedicated financial support for women’s electoral campaigns and political activities, arguing that addressing inequality requires targeted resources, not just rhetoric.

Addressing safety concerns, she urged all political parties to adopt and enforce internal codes of conduct to ensure accountability and protection for women leaders and activists facing harassment.

She also said a just and inclusive state can be built through collective efforts involving society at large, including educators, students, and freedom fighters.