Let’s dismantle the biases that keep women from thriving

Let us take a trip down memory lane. 

If you studied in Bangladesh, you might recall a peculiar trend in our schools in the eighth grade under the National Curriculum. During the peak of our youth, we encountered two subjects: Agricultural Science and Home Economics. But did you ever notice how only boys were allowed to study Agricultural Science, while girls were automatically assigned Home Economics?

Why was that? Why were girls confined to a subject that revolved solely around managing a household? As a student, I was genuinely curious about Agricultural Science as I wanted to learn about farming, crops and sustainability. But instead, I was randomly assigned to Home Economics, where I was taught how to take care of a home, as if my future had already been decided for me.

For centuries, a great debate has raged on: Should women concern themselves with medicine, economics, business, and finance, or should their focus remain on what truly matters, which would be childrearing, meal planning, laundry schedules, and the sacred art of stretching a Tk500 note to last an entire week? 

After all, if the economy were truly meant for women, would they not already be running entire industries, heading governments, and managing billion-dollar corporations? Matter of great surprise, even though women are not supposed to, they are leading as examples in multiple sectors even though the universe conspires against them to keep them restricted between four walls. 

There are funds to support women to help through empowerment programs or activities, yet the primary beneficiaries tend to be men, as they receive funding to run the projects, conduct the studies and present the findings. 

Ironically, many of them struggle to effectively communicate these issues to other men or women, failing to translate them into accessible terms. Thus, ultimately speaking as men on behalf of all women. 

There are also plenty of so-called "natural assumptions" about women, but it is not too difficult to call them what they really are: stereotypical biases. One such assumption is that women are naturally better at caregiving, so of course, they should stay home and dedicate their lives to it. Another common belief is that cooking is an essential skill for women because, after all, if a woman cannot prepare the perfect meal, is she truly fulfilling her purpose in life? And to be fair, whether at home or in the workplace, the commentary never ceases. 

Men, at some point, have likely made such remarks to women whether intentionally or by being negligent. Regardless of intent, the message remains clear: Some biases are so deeply ingrained that they are accepted as "natural" without a second thought. But there is no need to be distracted by facts. 

First, it is important to acknowledge the wisdom of those who insist that the only economy women should concern themselves with is the one within their own homes.

The kitchen is the only marketplace women need; except when it's not

While men occupy high offices debating GDP, inflation, and global trade, women have been silently driving economies without seeking recognition. In Bangladesh, for instance, women in the workforce contribute nearly 34% to the nation's GDP, yet they are still expected to prepare dinner after work. 

The ready-made garment industry, one of the country's largest economic sectors, relies heavily on women who comprise 80% of its workforce. 

They produce clothing for the world while being told they need not "worry about economics". Women also form a significant part of the informal economy, running small businesses, home-based daycare services, and market stalls, all while being reminded that their primary role is "raising the next generation". 

Meanwhile, as policymakers debate economic theories in air-conditioned rooms, it is women who keep the economy in motion, just without the title of "economist".

Women don't need to play sports; unless they're winning gold medals

Another common argument is that women should leave the sports field to men. After all, they might break a nail. But strangely enough, that has not stopped them from bringing home national and international titles. 

Remember Sabina Khatun, the captain of Bangladesh's women's football team? She led the team to their first-ever SAFF Women's Championship victory in 2022. But sure, football is only for men. What about women cricketers who represent Bangladesh on the global stage, often performing better than their male counterparts with a fraction of the funding? 

Let us not forget Rani Hamid, a legend in the chess community and also the first woman from the country to achieve international recognition in the sport, including the British Women's Chess Championship three times. A pioneer for women in chess, she holds the Woman International Master (WIM) title. 

And let us not forget the female athletes breaking records in weightlifting, shooting and archery. But yes, let's keep telling them that "sports is a man's world".

Women in medicine: Are we just nurses and caregivers? Think again.

The medical field has long relied on the stereotype that women should be nurses and caregivers, while men are the "real" doctors and decision-makers. But reality paints a different picture: Over 50% of medical students in Bangladesh are women, training to become doctors, surgeons, and researchers. 

Dr Firdausi Qadri, a Bangladeshi scientist, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her work on vaccines that save millions of lives. But yes, we can still pretend that women are only in medicine to assist men. 

From Covid-19 frontline workers to maternal healthcare experts, women have been keeping nations healthy, yet they still struggle for equal recognition and leadership roles.

Women are still being told to 'stay in their place'

Despite all these contributions, the world still loves to tell women that their only true expertise lies in home economics, as if running a household is not already a masterclass in financial planning, crisis management, and human resource coordination. 

But here is a question that will make you ponder, do women even have the right to make decisions about their own lives? Or are their choices always subject to approval by family, society or even random strangers with unsolicited opinions? 

A woman choosing a career is "neglecting her family". while a woman choosing to stay home is "wasting her potential". If she decides not to marry, she is "too independent," and if she does, she's expected to compromise at every turn. So, at what point do women actually get to own their choices without having to justify them to the world?

Maybe, just maybe, the world, including both men and women, could try something radical: letting women be. Just like any other living being out there, let them make their choices, live their lives, and exist without the weight of society's endless expectations. 

Women do not need permission to be who they are. They do not need to be placed into neat little categories to make everyone else comfortable. They just need the freedom to be, without judgment, without labels and without unsolicited advice.

The irony? If women were actually given the recognition and opportunities they deserve, the economy would grow exponentially. Studies show that closing the gender gap in employment and leadership could boost global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025. But sure, let us just keep underestimating them.

So here is a thought: Instead of limiting women to home economics, why not give them full access to the economy? Instead of questioning their place in sports, medicine, and business, why not pay them what they're worth and give them leadership roles? This Women's Day, let us do more than just post flowery tributes online.

Let us dismantle the biases that keep women from thriving. Because if women can run businesses, build economies, win championships, and save lives maybe, just maybe, they deserve more than just the title of "homemaker." And if that is too radical for some, do not worry. Women will continue to succeed anyway just as they always have without your two cents.

Raisa Adiba is a development practitioner and social scientist with 7+ years of experience. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.