Socialist Women’s Forum president Shampa Basu has alleged that many forms of discrimination still persist against women though they play a crucial role in the country’s economy and politics alongside men.
“Women’s contributions, particularly in the garment industry and agricultural sector, are undeniable, but their roles face devaluation,” she said.
Shampa made these remarks at a discussion titled “The Role of Women in the July Uprising and the Current Situation,” organised by the Socialist Women’s Forum at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on Saturday.
“Even after 54 years of independence, women do not enjoy equal legal rights. The July Uprising was supposed to bring an end to gender discrimination, but that hope remains unfulfilled,” she hopes.
Manisha Chakraborty, organising secretary of the Socialist Women’s Forum Central Committee, expressed disappointment that the authoritarian system itself remained intact.
“During the uprising, women stood shoulder to shoulder with men in the fight. Yet, after the movement, they were not given equal recognition,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Mukta, a participant in the July Uprising, said, “Our ruling class and the state do not want to acknowledge the contributions of women. But if we want to change society, we cannot marginalise the role of women.”
Other participants pointed out that, following the uprising, misogynistic slogans were propagated, women were harassed over their clothing and subjected to cyberbullying.
The number of oppressed women continues to rise, with frequent reports of rape across various regions. Despite all this, there is a glaring lack of action from the authorities.
Speakers also noted that efforts are underway to push women back into domestic confinement—culturally, socially, and politically.
They emphasised the need for unity to liberate women from this discrimination.
They also called for equal rights to be ensured for women, asserting that true social change is the only path to eliminating such inequality.
Dilruba Nuri, general secretary of the Socialist Women’s Forum, along with participants in the July Uprising, including Sohagi Samia and Sharmin Sultana, were present at the discussion.