Speakers at a policy dialogue organized by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) stated that women in Bangladesh are currently experiencing the most difficult period in the country’s history, marked by limited political commitment, low nomination of women by political parties, and weak institutional support for women’s leadership. The dialogue, titled “Women’s Leadership, Gender Equality and Political Commitment,” was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.
Participants highlighted that despite women constituting more than half of the population, their presence in political leadership remains disproportionately low. Speakers noted that political parties continue to show reluctance in nominating women candidates, and women’s participation in newly formed political parties has also remained limited.
Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the Women’s Commission, including uncertainty regarding the status of its report and whether its recommendations will be implemented. Speakers emphasized that women’s empowerment cannot advance without clear political will, accountability, and institutional follow-through.
Several speakers pointed out that women played a significant role during the 2024 mass movement, yet their contributions were not reflected in post-movement political processes. They stressed that the absence of effective democracy, rule of law, and political inclusion continues to limit women’s leadership and participation.
Speakers further identified structural and social barriers—from household-level attitudes to party-level decision-making—as key obstacles to women’s leadership. The dialogue underscored the need for sustained political commitment, institutional reform, and changes in social attitudes to advance gender equality and women’s representation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 