The protests in Bangladesh that began in June 2024, sparked by growing discontent over job opportunities, corruption and economic inequality, culminated in the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. A striking feature of this youth uprising was the active participation and leadership of female students, a testament to the evolving role of women in Bangladesh’s political movements.

Although Bangladesh was first governed by a female prime minister over three decades ago, previous student movements lacked such strong female leadership. The involvement of female students in this protest marked a bold assertion of their rights and autonomy in a society undergoing rapid transformation. 

Perceptions of women in Bangladesh have transformed significantly, driven by advances in education, labour market participation and targeted initiatives from the government, non-governmental organisations and international agencies. Microcredit programs, pioneered by interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, have helped empower millions of women by fostering financial independence and challenging traditional gender roles. 

Read more at: https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/10/08/women-get-to-work-in-bangladesh/