M Firoz Al Mamun:

Bangladesh like other parts of the world observes the International Women’s Day on March 8 every year to recognise contribution of the womenfolk to various sectors and boost social awareness as to their rights.

The day was celebrated across the globe on March 8, 2022 with a slogan: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”

Women right leaders and activists participated in candle light, discussion and other programmes on this occasion.

Although women holding important positions in the society are aware of the day, many common females are in the dark about it.

A report of CPD titled Estimating Women’s Contribution to the Economy said “In Bangladesh only 3.25 percent of employed women are working in the government sector and 8.25 percent in the private sector. The remaining 89.5 percent are employed in the informal sector with varying and often unpredictable earning patterns.”

The contribution of common women accounts for significant portion of the GDP.

Unfortunately, the women engaged in ordinary jobs including one of domestic help are ignorant of the International Women’s Day. A question has been raised as to whether women rights can be achieved fully leaving these females behind.

Talking to daily sun, Piya, a domestic help in Baridhara area of the capital, said “I am not aware of the day. Nobody informed me of it. I am always busy with my job as domestic help. Education of my son, house rent and other matters of family are dependent upon my earning. I do not use mobile phone. I do not watch TV. There is no scope for me to know significance of the day.”

Two other women, who work as domestic help at different houses in the area, made similar replies to the reporter.