Rights, justice, and action: Reflections on the 2026 International Women’s Day

Every year, 8 March is observed as the International Women's Day with a particular theme. The theme for the 2026 International Women's Day is: 'Rights, Justice and Action: For All Women and Girls." 

This theme has drawn my attention for four reasons. 

First, it has a clear goal, which includes strengthening legal frameworks by removing discriminatory laws against women. Second, the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995 created an important context for the 2026 theme. Third, by considering all women and girls, the theme creates an inclusive dimension. Fourth, the 2026 theme is not merely theoretical or analytical; it has a strong practical emphasis on concrete actions.

On 8 March, women and girls around the world will raise their voices demanding equal rights and justice. They will speak out strongly to establish equality in rights and justice so that they can fully enjoy their rights. 

Sadly, even in the second half of the twenty-first century, no country in the world can claim that it has completely eliminated all legal differences between men and women. Even in 2026, globally we see that women enjoy only 64% of the legal rights and opportunities that men have. 

In work, finance, security, property, business, and leisure—virtually in all major areas of life—the laws in many countries remain clearly unfavourable to women. From harmful social norms to discriminatory laws, women face entrenched barriers and hostility in every sphere of justice. 

The theme of International Women's Day 2026 therefore calls for breaking all structural barriers that prevent justice and equal rights for women and girls. Through positive action it is possible to dismantle discriminatory laws, weak judicial systems, and harmful social practices that work against women's rights.

If the issue of justice for women cannot be established, then the issue of rights becomes merely an unrealised promise. Justice is the foundation of equal rights. Justice is not an abstract idea; it is not only a legal matter. It is also a moral, socio-economic, and cultural issue. Once justice is established, equal rights are recognised. Then those rights can be protected and advanced. When women's rights are truly established, the law will not remain confined to documents — it will be implemented in reality.

At the current rate of global progress on equality and justice, it will take 286 years to eliminate legal discrimination between men and women worldwide. Similarly, if the present trend continues, it will take 111 years in East Asia and 356 years in the Middle East to eliminate economic disparities between men and women. In reality, these are not timelines, they amount to surrender.

Because of inequality in women's rights, in 18 countries women cannot work without their husband's consent and permission, and in 32 countries the process for women to obtain passports differs from that of men. 

Another extreme example of injustice is in agriculture: although women perform most of the agricultural work, they own only 10% of the world's agricultural land. Due to the lack of justice and equal rights, 15 million girls under the age of 18 are married every year—one child bride every two seconds.

If we turn our attention to Bangladesh, we see that the issue of women's equal rights is well documented in official texts and policies. The Constitution of Bangladesh speaks of justice for women and equal rights. All the country's Five-Year Plans emphasise gender equality. In 2011, the National Women Development Policy was adopted. To implement it, a National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Children (2013–2015) was taken. Later came the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2018–2022). 

Thus, at least on paper, Bangladesh shows strong commitment to justice and equal rights for women. The question is: what does reality look like?

In Bangladesh, justice and equal rights for women can be examined in four dimensions: economic, social, political, and cultural. In each of these spheres, the strict discipline of patriarchy often prevents women from achieving justice and equality. The everyday reality of women's lives is largely determined by male attitudes and actions.

In the economic sphere, unequal rights expose women to discrimination. Due to religious rules and social practices, women in Bangladesh have limited ownership of land and property. Only one out of every three women in the country has any bank account.

Among working-age women, only one-third participate in the labour market, compared with 81% of men. Women perform the majority of household work. Only 12% of top management positions are held by women. Women's average income is 10% lower than men's. 

The unemployment rate among women is about 10%, but among educated young women it rises to 22%. Women's participation in information technology is also very low. About 86% of men in Bangladesh own mobile phones, compared with 61% of women. While 48% of men use the internet, only 17% of women do.

Socially, women's equal rights are hindered in many ways. In Bangladesh, two-thirds of girls are married before the age of 18. Child marriage impedes girls' capabilities and limits their opportunities, placing them in unequal situations. About 77% of Bangladeshi women cannot make their own decisions about reproduction, and 23% cannot have the number of children they desire. 

More than 16% of mothers have experienced unwanted pregnancies, and 15% of women have been forced to use birth control. In many aspects of reproductive decisions, Bangladeshi women cannot act independently—something that contradicts the principles of justice and equality. Additionally, 73% of women in Bangladesh have experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives.

In the political arena, women's rights are frequently undermined. Social attitudes and values do not encourage women to participate directly in politics. The patriarchal structure of society does not want women to become political candidates. 

In the last national parliamentary election, 51 political parties participated, but only 10 nominated women candidates. Excluding the 50 reserved seats for women, only 7 women members are directly elected in the 300-member Bangladesh Parliament. Among the opposition party's more than seventy members, none are women. Even in voting, especially in rural areas, many women do not exercise independent voting rights; male family members often decide whom they should vote for.

In the cultural sphere, women face various discriminatory practices. The fields of arts and literature in the country are largely controlled by men, who often determine women's roles and participation. Women's voices are not sufficiently represented. 

In sports as well, female athletes do not receive equal state support and assistance. There are also disparities in income and benefits. Altogether, women in Bangladesh do not receive proper justice and rights in the cultural domain.

The question is: what can be done to ensure justice and equality for women in Bangladesh? Justice and equal rights for women are already recognised in the country' constitution and included in laws and national plans. The issue is how to implement them in reality. Necessary actions are required in three dimensions: advocacy, implementation, and institutions.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in establishing justice and equal rights, as social attitudes, values and norms must evolve. Without awareness and the right mindset, the ideals of justice and equality cannot take root in society. Much of this effort must also involve men. Through dialogue with different sections of society, a strong foundation for women's equal rights can be built. Media, social media and social movements all have an important role to play in this process.

In terms of implementation, existing laws that guarantee justice and equal rights must be properly and effectively enforced. The legal and judicial system should not be biased in favour of forces that oppose women's rights. Justice for women must become the foundation of our legal culture. 

Economic and political processes also require reform. Economic policies that disadvantage women should be removed, and proactive measures should be introduced to ensure equality between men and women.These may include social services, access to resources, and production assets. 

Laws may need to change to ensure women's ownership of property. Measures must also be taken to stop child marriage and domestic violence. Political reforms are necessary to ensure equal rights and participation for women in political processes.

Finally, ensuring justice and equal rights for women requires a strong institutional framework. The state will play a catalytic role, but the private sector, NGOs, and development partners must also be involved. Government institutions should become gender-equality-friendly. Their structures and attitudes must be sensitive to justice and equality for women. The same applies to the private sector. Its policies should ensure equal rights for women and avoid discriminatory practices. Issues such as harassment and abuse against women must also be addressed.

The theme of International Women's Day 2026 -'Rights, Justice and Action"- For Women and Girls - is a powerful call for ensuring the rightful place of women in all societies. Only through practical, real actions across the world can this goal be achieved. Bangladesh, too, should play a strong role in this journey.