A reactionary group misusing religion to hold back women: Adviser Farida

A 'reactionary group' is trying to use religion to suppress women after the July Uprising, in which girls fought in the frontline to establish a new Bangladesh, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said during an interview with BSS marking the occasion of the International Women's Day slated to be observed tomorrow (8 March).

"Because this group wants to suppress the women who are moving forward," she said.

"I am not talking about religion here, I am saying that a reactionary group is misusing religion to hold back women. It can be mentioned that recently, they tried to stop women from playing football. But they could not. Various efforts are being made to hold back the women," Farida said.

"I see such type of activities against women as repressive on one hand, and terrorism on the other," she observed, saying it should be seen from a legal point of view, and there should be no compromise with the culprits, reports BSS.

Farida said women should be aware of their own rights and obstacles.

In some cases, family and work environment become obstacles on their way of moving forward, she noted.

Farida said if men give importance to the issue of respect and cooperation towards women in the family or workplace, it becomes easier for women to move forward.

She said the benchmark of the development of a country reflects on the state of women in the society and the position of women at national spheres.

The adviser said the activities of women in her ministry are very invisible, but most of the work in the field of fisheries and livestock is done by women.

The role of women in food production, vegetable cultivation and livestock and fish production at the field level always remains unstated, she said.

"There are many marginalised women at the field level who are working tirelessly, but none is evaluating their work," she noted.

Farida said directives have already been given to the local administration to include women fishermen in the list of fishermen. 

"It is not enough to just talk about women's development in words and on paper," she said, adding that the services of women in various fields should be highlighted."

If women are given various facilities, they will be more attentive in their work, the adviser said.

Farida, who is also a human rights activist, said womenfolk should be confident and make efforts for self-awakening in making their position strong in society.

"If a woman makes efforts for moving forward with self-confidence, then none can hold her back. I think lack of confidence is one of the reasons behind women's backwardness," she said.

The adviser said one positive thing about women is that when they get a little opportunity, they want to grab it and move forward.

"Women have to have confidence, trust in themselves, and prepare their work areas to create their own position in society," she said.