Begum Rokeya and contributions of women in Bengal
Md. Habibur Rahman :
Since the dawn of human civilization, we find some feminists and writers outspoken in upholding gender equality. Simone de Beauvoir (France), Kamla Bhasin (India), Nowab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani (Cumilla), Begum Rokeya (Rangpur), and Sufia Kamal (Barisal) are famous for being torchbearers of women’s emancipation in different corners of the world. They were vocal about various issues that women faced at the time. Many of them wrote for equality, justice, education, freedom, and other issues. For example, in 2016, Kamla Bhasin called violence against women the “biggest war in the world.” She urged every woman to change the situation without fear.
In Bangladesh, Begum Rokeya (1880-1930) emphasized two issues for women: Equality in education and economic empowerment. Bangladeshi and Indian women benefited from her writings and the movements she launched. She wrote some master pieces like Matichur (1st and 2nd volume), Padmarag, Aborodh Basini, and Sultana’s Dream. She was also a poet, social activist, and iconic figure for women’s emancipation. Some researcher compared her with Simone de Beauvoir’s works and philosophy.
Begum Rokeya emphasized the importance of education for women in order to advance in society. Napoleon Bonaparte and Nelson Mandela also highlighted everyone’s education. Nelson Mandela said that “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Religious scriptures also emphasize the importance of education. The first verse of the Holy Quran starts with “read.” The Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) said, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” Therefore, education enlightens the human mind and reduces ignorance in society.
The contributions of women in different movements in Bengal were participatory and active with their counterparts: Begum Rokeya and other feminist writers were inspirational icons to raise their voices against injustice, discrimination, torture, terrorism, civil and political rights, and other fundamental and human rights issues.
With the sacrifices of Salam, Barkat, Jabbar, and Rafique, women also participated in language movements. There were 80 to 85 female students at Dhaka University in the 1947-1951 sessions. They were standing together with other male language fighters. Dr. Sufia Khatun, Shamsun Nahar, Rawshan Ara Bachchu, Sara Taifoor, Kazi Amina, Mahfil Ara, Khurshidi Khanam, and Halima Khatun were among the prominent figures involved in the language movement.
Women also participated in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Dr. Captain (Rtd.) Sitara Begum and Taramon Bibi (Kurigram) honoured with Bir Pratik Award for their tremendous roles in the liberation war of Bangladesh. Geeta Kar, Hena Das, Kakon Bibi, and Shirin Banu Mitil took training to fight against Pakistani forces. On the other hand, Rounak Mohal Dilruba Begum, Karuna Begum, and other women participated in the war to free the country from Pakistani autocratic rule in 1971. Some of them enlisted as freedom fighters, and others remain uncovered from the timeline.
Women participated in other democratic movements followed by the Ershad Regime to ensure equal rights for all. Still, their dreams remain unfulfilled to some extent. Therefore, we should work together to facilitate their rights and ensure sustainable development for all.
In terms of gender parity, Bangladesh is doing well and has done better than other South Asian countries over the years. On the other hand, South Asia is the least developed zone among the world’s eight regions. About 62.3 per cent of the gender gap will be reported in 2022. According to the global gender gap report 2022, Bangladesh and Nepal secured 69 per cent of their gender gaps in regional performances. Men should cooperate with their women partners here, as poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem titled “Nari” a groundbreaking literary work is still pertinent today. “In my eyes, there is no difference between men and women!” Nazrul said. In the poem of women, he urged the melody of equality. All the great creations of the world are eternally good. Half of them are made by women, the other half by men.
Begum Rokeya inspired our generations to work for women, who make up half of our entire population. Women are playing a tremendous role in the development of nations and other sectors of society. The present and future generations will remember her sacrifices for women’s development and emancipation. If women educate, then our future will be enriched and prosperous.
(The writer is a poet, writer,
and researcher).
