Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organized a dialogue titled “Exploring the Progress of the Women’s Movement” at its Central Office’s Anwara Begum–Munira Khan Auditorium to examine the current trajectory of the women’s movement and discuss strategies for strengthening youth engagement in advancing women’s rights and gender equality on May 18, 2026.
The event was chaired by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, while Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary of the organization, delivered the welcome address.
The program began with cultural performances. Songs were performed by Afra Antara, a student of the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka and a member of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad’s Organization Sub-Committee, and Miftahul Jannat Jaima, a student of Udayan Higher Secondary School. Nusaiba Ahmed, a student of the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka and a member of the organization’s Education and Culture Sub-Committee, recited poetry.
The thematic discussion featured participation from activists, students, professionals, and members of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, including Jannatul Ferdous Ivy of Voice and Views, advocate Tasnia Tahsin, Umme Fatematuz Johora, Shayka Shanta, Bahnishikha Das Purakayastha, Supa Sadia, Samir from the University of Dhaka, Rakib Sardar from North South University, Nusaiba Ahmed, and media professional Shamima Akhter.
Discussions centered on themes such as “A girl is truly free when she can choose her own dreams—not with fear, but with courage” and the influence of patriarchy as a social structure shaping social life and opportunities.
Speakers emphasized that women must build the confidence and capacity to make decisions independently and actively claim their rights in both personal and professional spheres. They highlighted the importance of moving beyond the use of feminism as a label and instead embracing it as a practical framework for achieving equality and justice.
Participants stressed that women should continue advancing toward their goals despite the barriers they face and should strengthen collective solidarity rather than struggle in isolation. The discussion also underscored the need to teach respect for women within families and communities from an early age and to ensure safety and dignity for working women.
Addressing Patriarchy Through Social Change
The speakers noted that deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes and discriminatory beliefs continue to hinder women’s advancement. They argued that fostering mutual respect, empathy, and equality among children from a young age is essential to creating a more inclusive society.
Participants also called for equal opportunities for women rather than conditional acceptance or approval based on traditional social norms. They emphasized that continued dialogue and critical reflection on patriarchy are necessary to challenge and transform unequal power structures.
Women’s Rights Are Fundamental Human Rights
Dr. Fauzia Moslem stated that the struggle for rights remains an ongoing process and that the women’s movement must continue working toward a society where both women and men embrace equality and justice.
She emphasized that the women’s movement is multifaceted and that meaningful progress depends on how effectively rights are implemented in everyday life. Dr. Moslem called on society and the state to transform traditional family structures into more gender-responsive and women-friendly systems.
She further stressed that women’s rights must be recognized and realized as fundamental human and citizenship rights. Highlighting the importance of intergenerational collaboration, she encouraged younger and older generations to bridge differences in perspectives and work together to advance the movement.
Women’s Movement as a Force for Social Transformation
Shima Moslem described the women’s movement as a movement for social transformation. She noted that as societies evolve, the priorities, opportunities, and challenges of the movement also change.
While acknowledging the visible contributions of women to Bangladesh’s development, she pointed out that structural barriers and inequalities remain significant challenges. She called for collective efforts across generations to protect women’s rights and dignity and urged participants to focus not only on safeguarding existing achievements but also on building new movements that respond to emerging realities.
The event was attended by leaders and members of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad’s Central Committee, organizational staff, teachers, lawyers, students from the University of Dhaka and other educational institutions, and representatives from various sectors.
The session was moderated by Umme Fatematuz Johora, a member of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad’s Organization Sub-Committee and a student of the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka
