Maria Rahman, a 2nd-year student at Dhaka University and participant in the DFTP Spring course 2024, is leading a project to empower women within family decision-making processes. Collaborating with three team members, Maria launched this ongoing initiative in April 2024.
In Bangladesh, the patriarchal family structure often limits women’s freedom in decision-making, despite their dual roles in working outside the home and managing household responsibilities. Women frequently face harassment, torture, and deprivation of property rights within their families. This project aims to raise awareness and advocate for gender equality and women’s autonomy in family structures, emphasizing the importance of women’s decision-making rights.
To address these issues, Maria’s team organized community dialogues to engage with 50-60 people, facilitating discussions on women’s rights and gender equality. They also initiated a social media campaign using flyers and posters to spread awareness. Additionally, they planned to create a short film to highlight the significance of empowering women in family dynamics.
The project has already started making a difference. The community dialogues have created a space for open discussions, helping to change attitudes towards women’s roles in family decision-making. The social media campaign has reached a wide audience, further spreading the message of gender equality. The short film, once completed, will provide a powerful visual representation of the issues and the need for change.
Maria’s initiative is having a meaningful impact by raising awareness about the challenges women face within their families and advocating for their empowerment. The project is fostering a dialogue about gender equality and encouraging a shift in societal attitudes. As the initiative continues, it promises to contribute to a more equitable and supportive environment for women in Bangladesh, empowering them to take an active role in family decision-making and promoting gender equality.