In recent times, social media has been buzzing with criticism regarding controversial statements made by the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami. His recent proposal suggests that if his party gains power, women will work for five hours but be compensated for eight hours, with employers covering five hours and the government covering the remaining three. Additionally, women who opt not to work outside the home will be labeled as “Rotnogorbha mothers” while those working a full eight hours will be “respected.”
These remarks have stirred discontent among many, raising questions about the need to dictate women’s working hours. Why should the government dictate how long women should work when they have been excluded from discussions concerning the country’s future? Shouldn’t women have the autonomy to determine their own work hours?
Women work to support their families, provide for their parents’ medical expenses, put food on the table, educate their children, and fulfill their own needs. It is perplexing to have to explain these basic concepts in the year 2025, as if we have regressed to a time when it was deemed inappropriate for women to earn a living.
Rather than lightening women’s burdens, the proposed scheme seems aimed at rendering them invisible, so they can spend more time on domestic responsibilities. However, many women are already juggling these duties while also earning a livelihood, as modern economies often require dual incomes for families to survive.
Furthermore, some women are the sole providers for their families due to various circumstances such as widowhood, a spouse’s illness or disability, abandonment, divorce, or a non-working or addicted husband. For these women, working is a necessity for survival and sustenance.
Moreover, restricting women to a five-hour workday could deter potential employers from hiring them, especially when some women wish to utilize their skills, education, and independence. This proposal does not honor women but rather aims to confine them to traditional roles, overlooking their aspirations and capabilities.
It is essential to consider the impact on women working in informal sectors, like agriculture, domestic work, and construction, who often exceed the standard eight-hour workday. Will they be exempt from these regulations?
While these declarations raise concerns about gender equality and women’s participation in public life, it is unlikely that society would accept a scenario where women are excluded from various professions. Women play vital roles in sectors like healthcare, finance, law, and the garment industry, and their absence would have significant repercussions.
Currently, approximately 43 percent of working-age Bangladeshi women are part of the labor force, a notable but improvable figure. A decline in job opportunities has led to many women leaving the workforce, impacting the economy’s growth potential. Gender equality in the workforce is not just a feminist issue but a fundamental aspect of economic development, as seen globally.
In conclusion, it is crucial for policymakers to acknowledge the importance of women’s choices and autonomy in determining their work hours and roles. In a democratic society, empowering women to make decisions about their careers is essential for progress and prosperity. It is time for all political parties to recognize and respect women’s rights and contributions in shaping a modern and inclusive Bangladesh.