Ahead of the 13th national election, women voters, who make up half of the electorate, say their daily realities now play a more significant role in shaping their political choices than campaign slogans or manifesto promises.
Rising living costs, job insecurity, public safety, and access to healthcare are among the issues that women view as decisive in determining their vote.
Yet, analysts argue that while these concerns are frequently addressed in political rhetoric, there remains a stark gap between promises and actual implementation.
“Political parties often include women-friendly commitments in their election manifestos, but the gap between promises and their fulfilment is wide,” said Tania Haque, professor at the Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka, speaking to TIMES.
For working women, particularly in the garment sector and informal jobs, job security and fair wages remain pressing concerns. Factory closures, delayed payments, and weak worker protections have turned employment from an economic issue into a political one.
Shima Akhter, a worker at Islam Garments, explained to TIMES that while wages have slightly increased in recent years, the rising cost of daily necessities has eroded any real gains. “The cost of essentials keeps rising, but our income doesn’t match it,” she said.
Akhter also pointed out clear wage discrimination in factories, with male workers often receiving higher grades and salaries for the same work, justified by claims of greater physical strength.
For many women, inflation has become the most urgent issue ahead of the election. Those managing household finances say economic stability will be a key factor in their voting decisions, as they seek assurances that the next government can control prices and protect purchasing power.
Naznin, a homemaker, explained that the rising costs of food, cooking fuel, transport, and education have placed significant pressure on middle- and lower-income families.
She also noted that education expenses have skyrocketed, highlighting that free education for girls alone is insufficient without quality teaching, as many families are forced to rely on expensive private coaching.
Public safety is another critical issue influencing women’s political choices. Harassment in public spaces, violence against women, and delays in justice continue to erode trust in state institutions.
Dr Razia Sultana, a consultant in Transfusion Medicine, said economic advancement, personal security, and job stability are crucial considerations for working women voters.
She added that a safe environment—both at home and in the workplace—along with effective enforcement of laws to prevent violence and harassment, is vital.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of attention to daycare facilities, maternity support, and workplace equality, which could make policymaking more meaningful for women.
Shirin Parvin Haque, women’s rights activist and founder of Naripokkho, expressed her support for candidates who genuinely champion women’s rights, equality in guardianship laws, and freedom from corruption and extortion.
However, she voiced concerns about whether such candidates truly exist. Haque also pointed to the positive impact of policies extending free education for women up to the higher secondary and master’s levels, similar to earlier policies that improved gender parity in primary education and reduced dropout rates.
Access to affordable healthcare, particularly maternal and reproductive health services is also emerging as a key election concern. Many women say rising medical costs and overcrowded public hospitals have turned healthcare into a question of political accountability.
Despite decades of female leadership at the highest levels of national politics, many women voters say they still feel underrepresented in real decision-making processes. The number of women candidates, their visibility in campaigns and the sincerity of party commitments are being closely scrutinised.
A second-year student at the University of Dhaka, preparing to vote for the first time, said she would prioritise candidates who can ensure employment opportunities in future and manageable living costs. She added that economic independence is essential for personal security and future stability.
While hopeful that elections can bring change, she expressed skepticism about whether women-friendly promises made before polls are fully implemented afterward.
Women make up nearly half of the electorate in the 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for 12 February, with 64.8 million voters accounting for 49.23 per cent of the total. Despite lagging behind men in political and economic empowerment, their voting strength gives them equal influence at the ballot box.
Whether political pledges translate into trust at the ballot box may ultimately depend on how convincingly parties address the everyday challenges women face.
Professor Haque expressed concern over the low number of female candidates contesting the election, noting that only 83 women are running among a total of 2,029 candidates.
To bring about qualitative change, she said that the need for key reforms, including a digital measurement or scaling system to track the fulfillment of manifesto promises and ensure accountability.
She also stressed the importance of a system-based state structure, where governance does not depend on individuals or ideologies but operates through automated and institutional mechanisms, allowing the state to function according to established rules regardless of who holds power.
