In recent years, a quiet revolution has been unfolding across cities and towns worldwide: more women are choosing to live alone. Once often viewed through the lens of societal expectation or personal circumstance, this decision is increasingly celebrated as an expression of empowerment, independence and self-determination.
For many women, living alone is no longer seen as a last resort. Now, it is more like a conscious choice. “I wanted to experience life on my own terms,” says Nadira Rahman, 29, a corporate marketing professional who recently moved into her first solo apartment in Dhaka.
“Living alone has taught me responsibility and given me the confidence and freedom to make decisions without compromise. I can finally prioritise myself and my needs over others’,” she added.
Nadira’s story is not unique; it reflects a growing trend of women who are redefining independence in a society where traditional norms often dictate life choices. The rise of women living alone is not confined to any single region; it’s a global phenomenon.
According to the United Nations, the proportion of one-person households worldwide increased from 23% in 1985 to 28% in 2018, with projections suggesting it could reach 35% by mid- century.
This global shift is part of a broader societal transformation in the Bangladeshi context as well. Over the last few decades, women’s access to higher education and professional careers has expanded dramatically. Where once marriage and family were considered the ultimate markers of success, today women increasingly see their personal and professional achievements as equally important.
Yet, despite the progress, challenges remain. In many societies, women who choose to live alone still confront cultural stigma, family pressure and outdated stereotypes. Safety concerns, particularly in dense urban environments, can also be a deterrent.
Cultural expectations, family pressures and lingering stereotypes about ‘women living alone’ still exist, particularly in more conservative communities that are geographically placed further away from cities or among families that fall on the more traditional-minded spectrum of the chart.
The practicalities of living alone are oftentimes railed with the added burden of financial management, household responsibilities and personal safety. This can be challenging but women are increasingly finding ways and solutions to navigate them.
Many are turning to co-living communities, digital platforms for home services and neighbourhood networks that prioritise safety and social engagement. This infrastructure, coupled with slowly but surely growing societal acceptance, is making independent living comparatively more accessible. Urbanisation, better and modernised digital infrastructure and connectivity have further opened doors, making independent living more feasible and socially acceptable.
Beyond the practical, living alone has a symbolic weight. It represents autonomy, self-reliance and the ability to prioritise personal growth and a space to explore individuality. Women like Nadira describe a newfound sense of liberation: the ability to decorate a space to their liking, manage their schedule freely, make and rectify mistakes, learn and grow on their own terms or simply enjoy solitude without stigma.
“Living alone has nothing to do with being lonely; it has everything to do with being whole,” Nadira reflects. “It’s about claiming space in the world and not waiting for permission to exist fully.”
Advocates argue that these barriers can be addressed through awareness campaigns, policy support and more female-friendly infrastructure, along with broader social support systems and public awareness campaigns are needed to normalise independent living as a legitimate choice rather than an exception.
Challenges persist but the radicalisation is undeniable. Cities across the globe are witnessing an uptick in female renters, single-occupancy apartments and women-focused housing initiatives. Each apartment, each independent woman stands as a testament to the changing narrative around the binaries of gender, freedom and empowerment — citing it as a powerful source for crushing gender and social stigmas.
As women continue to embrace independence, the implications extend far beyond personal fulfilment. They signal a society gradually shedding outdated norms and embracing a future that holds grace and room for female autonomy and self-expression, sidelining draconian societal norms and expectations.
By embracing independence, women are reshaping perceptions of success, happiness and accomplishment. They are teaching society that autonomy is not a privilege but a right and that empowerment can be both personal and transformative.