Women’s representation in parliament has remained stagnant at a low level, with the highest share recorded at around 20% – including reserved seats – largely due to the indifferent attitude of political parties towards female leadership.
In the first national election of 1973, only 15 women were elected, making up just 4.8% of the total members of parliament. When the constitution was enacted in 1972, only 15 reserved seats were allocated for women.
Since then, women’s participation in parliament has been a topic of discussion among female leaders. Over time, the number of female representatives gradually increased, reaching 50 in 2011.
However, the key question persists. Will simply increasing the number of seats ensure women’s empowerment?
Experts argue that while changes in numbers are necessary, the real focus should be on effective empowerment, building leadership, and amplifying women’s voices in policymaking.
In subsequent parliaments, the number of female members rose to 32, 35, and 34, respectively. The ninth parliament marked a significant change, with 21 directly elected female members, bringing the total to 71, or nearly 20%.
In the 10th and 11th parliaments, the number of women increased to 72 and 73, respectively, but in the 12th parliament, it dropped to 69.
On 19 April, the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission proposed a major overhaul of parliamentary representation, recommending an increase in the total number of seats in the Jatiya Sangsad to 600, with half of those seats reserved exclusively for women through direct elections. This proposal seeks to ensure greater gender parity in political representation, diverging from the previous recommendation by the Electoral System Reform Commission, which suggested expanding the number of seats to 400 – 300 general seats and 100 reserved for women.
Experts emphasise that while increasing numbers is important, the focus must shift to genuine empowerment, leadership development, and strengthening women’s voices in policymaking.
Shirin Parveen Haque, head of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, agrees that while increasing seats is vital, it is insufficient on its own. “If women enter parliament and become mere puppets of their parties, then their representation holds no value,” she said.
Former BNP lawmaker Nilofar Chowdhury Moni contends that many women MPs from reserved seats enter parliament as the wives or daughters of male politicians.
“This is not women’s empowerment; it’s simply the replacement of male power,” she said. Moni believes that, with proper opportunities, female MPs can become more influential.
“In the ninth parliament, we women MPs studied more and spoke more than the men. If women are given opportunities, they can excel,” she asserted.
Fauzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, also believes that reserved seats alone do not guarantee empowerment. “Some women take the seats on behalf of their parties or families, which does not foster true female leadership,” she noted. Moslem argues that there must be a focus on training, skill development, and fair evaluation to nurture women’s leadership.
Tania Haque, professor of the Department of Women and Gender Studies at Dhaka University, stresses the importance of direct elections for women’s empowerment. “Through direct elections, competition will arise, quality will be ensured, and each woman will find her own space,” she explained. At the same time, she calls for reforms in the parliamentary system, saying, “Parliament members should represent the entire country, not just their parties. Once elected, they must serve the nation as a whole.”
While the increase in women’s seats in parliament is undoubtedly progress, it does not guarantee genuine empowerment. To ensure true empowerment, direct election opportunities, equal competition, skillful training, continuous advocacy, and regular accountability are essential.
The issue is not merely about increasing numbers. Women’s voices must be effectively integrated into policymaking. Without changing the patriarchal political culture and fostering independent leadership, an increase in seats will remain a symbolic gesture rather than a transformative shift.
