Calls grow for cyber safety, security as women’s political participation dips

Women's participation in politics is not merely a statistic; it is a democratic right.

However, in the 13th national parliamentary election, women comprised only 3.93% of candidates—the lowest share in 25 years—raising concerns about the country's democratic progress. Speakers said that structural barriers in the electoral system, alongside rising gender-based violence and online harassment, are restricting women's political leadership.

These issues were discussed at a special dialogue and awards ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday, marking International Women's Day 2026. Speakers said that women's empowerment requires more than opportunity; it also demands security, social dignity, and greater state investment to ensure a genuinely level playing field in politics. They urged policymakers and political parties to take action.

Referring to the Representation of the People Order, speakers said that political parties are required to ensure 33% women's representation at all levels, describing it as both a legal and democratic obligation.

The event was jointly organised by ActionAid Bangladesh and Prothom Alo, where women who contested the 13th national parliamentary election were honoured. The programme was aligned with the global theme 'Give to Gain'.

A forum theatre performance titled 'Chena Porobash' by theatre group Palakar was staged as part of the programme. The performance depicted child marriage, workplace harassment, and challenges faced by women candidates during elections. After each scene, women's rights activists, experts, candidates, and policymakers joined an open discussion on potential solutions.

Rasheda K Chowdhury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), said, 'If women are important as voters, why are they questioned as leaders? We have yet to place women in positions of the dignity they deserve. Our nation was founded on equality and justice, yet women are being sidelined.'

Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman said that there was scope for stronger support from civil society and the media for independent women candidates in the recent election. He said that women's participation and visibility could increase significantly in the next election if stakeholders work together.

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, described women candidates as 'among the bravest citizens of this country', adding that beyond electoral results, they had created new pathways despite hostile conditions. 'We do not seek only an increase in numbers. We seek meaningful change. Ensuring women's safety and dignity remains the greatest challenge,' she said.

Member of parliament Rumin Farhana said that stereotypical expectations of women cannot bring change, and called for challenging discrimination within families and society. 'We are ready to see strong women as daughters or sisters, but not as partners in change. This mindset must change,' she said.

Independent candidate Tasnim Jara (Dhaka-9) said that structural barriers limit women's presence in decision-making and that many political parties treat women as symbolic figures. She said that women are active at the grassroots, but male-dominated structures often prevail at the nomination stage. She also said that women elected to reserved seats face limitations in independent decision-making and tend to remain more accountable to party leadership than to voters. She added that online harassment discourages many young women from entering politics, and called for an independent judiciary and an effective election commission to ensure a level playing field.

MP Nayab Yusuf Ahmed said that many marginalised women are not aware that their basic rights are being denied, and called for action to address women's problems. Jatiya Party candidate Monica Alam from Jhenaidah said that political actors have a social responsibility to prevent violence against women and emphasised working with the administration to stop child marriage and sexual harassment.

Seema Dutta, a leader of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), said that women are often treated as 'third-class citizens' across sectors and called for equal pay, legal recognition of women in the informal sector, and stronger government action against discriminatory attitudes.

Citing research data, Morium Nessa, lead for women's rights and gender equity at ActionAid Bangladesh, said that reported rape cases increased by 52.3% in 2025 compared to 2024. She said that at least 272 women and girls faced violence in January 2026, including 70 rape cases. She also said that 39% of universities still lack sexual harassment prevention committees.

Speakers noted that seven women were elected in the recent election, the same number as in the 2001 general election. They said that women's share of candidates—3.93%—is the lowest in 25 years.

Participants recommended stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, stronger cyber safety measures, and meaningful inclusion of women in political party structures.

Among those present were British High Commission social development adviser Tahera Jabeen, UNDP Bangladesh gender team leader Sharmin Islam, JAAGO Foundation founder Korvi Rakshand and Sadaf of the National Political Rights Forum. Women candidates present included Meghla Alam of Ganodhikar Parishad, Taslima Akter of Ganosamhati Andolon, independent candidate Anwara Islam Rani, Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili of AB Party, and Arifa Akter Baby of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal.