Beyond Equality: Recognizing Gendered Oppression in Bangladesh
Growing up as a male in Bangladesh, I have heard such stories of women being oppressed in various of ways from the news and internet, reading articles, demonstration of situational examples from dramas, or real-life experiences from friends and family. To critically analyze these dynamics, I will explore the intersections of gender, classism, and patriarchy and how these impact the lived experiences of women in Bangladesh.
Distribution of Power
Bangladesh has been governed by women for over three decades, making it one of the longest-running examples of female political leadership in the world. From holding positions in the government to running and governing within the household, Bangladesh has seen a blend of dominance for both men and women. Yet, patriarchal power structures are still a foundation of Bangladeshi culture, legislation, and daily interactions, limiting women's freedom of movement, decision-making authority, and physical autonomy irrespective of their social status in many sectors.
Women are socialized from an early age to be humble, family-oriented, and self-sacrificing. They are frequently viewed as secondary in decision-making and are held to greater standards of beauty. People who don't fit into the norm, such as being single or being career-oriented, are frequently disproportionately criticized. Men, on the other hand, have greater institutional authority in business, religious, and governmental contexts.
Classism
Class deepens the disparities in women’s experiences, as upper-class women may have greater access to education and financial independence, while lower-class women bear the greatest burden of gendered oppression and economic hardship. One of the prominent issues in the work force industry. Many lower-class women work in garment factories or domestic labor and endure low wages in poor working conditions, making them more vulnerable to harassment and financial dependence due to a lack of resources.
While lower-class men also struggle economically, they are seen to hold more freedom in decision-making and mobility compared to women, though the expectation to provide for their families, the fear of being rejected or not being able to match the expectations sometimes lead to frustration, reinforcing toxic masculinity and domestic violence which I consider is not a justified action.
Harassment
Another stark difference between men and women in Bangladesh is safety in both public and private spaces. Women in Dhaka frequently experience street harassment, including catcalling, stalking, and groping in crowded areas, making public transport a high-risk zone where many face sexual harassment and often force them to rely on women-only transportation. Even when it came to hanging out with my female friends back in Bangladesh, their families were often about where they were going, with whom they were meeting, and when they were coming back to ensure their safety.
Even in their own homes, many women face domestic violence and social stigma and legal loopholes often prevent them from seeking justice. In contrast, men generally do not face sexual violence at the same rate and enjoy greater freedom of movement. However, men from marginalized backgrounds may experience police brutality and economic discrimination, though their gender still ranks them a higher societal standing than women and thus are often granted pardon.
Conclusion and Self Reflection
As a young adult male who was raised in Dhaka, I recognize that while I have had my own challenges, my gender comes with undeniable privileges. My career choices are not questioned based on my gender. Understanding intersectionality has helped me recognize that gender oppression is not isolated. It is entangled with class, and social expectations, all of which play into existing power structures. Women’s experiences are shaped by these forces in a way that men, even those who face struggles of their own, will never fully understand. My hope is that by acknowledging these inequalities and reflecting on my own privilege is the first step towards fostering equity, rather than just equality.
