Political parties need codes of conduct to ensure women leaders' safety: Zaima Rahman

Political parties must have their own codes of conduct to ensure the safety of women leaders and activists and to take responsibility if they face harassment, said Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, today (8 February).

"If anything happens to a woman or student leader, the party must take responsibility and stand by her," she said while speaking at a roundtable discussion at the BISS conference room in the capital.

The discussion titled "Women in the Struggle for Democracy: Contribution, Accountability and Responsibility", organised by Women in Democracy (WIND).

Zaima said political engagement and civic responsibility are essential for developing the ability to make informed decisions.

"Without proper mentorship and support, new leadership cannot develop. While men enjoy many opportunities in politics, women are still deprived. Effective networks and support systems must also be ensured for women," she said.

Calling for increased participation of women in policymaking, she stressed the need to create a leadership pipeline from student politics to local government.

"If we fail to maintain continuity, opportunities will disappear and we will not be able to promote capable women leaders," she said.

She also emphasised the importance of implementing promised financial and social benefits for women.

Speaking at the roundtable discussion, ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said women are not entering politics in the way they should.

"Women are visible in rallies and processions under party banners, but when it comes to empowerment, they are sidelined," she said, alleging that some parties claim women cannot become prime minister or hold key party positions.

She urged voters to decide in the 12 February election what kind of leadership they want.

She also alleged that political parties in recent years have failed to play a role in advancing women's participation in politics.

Senior advocate Barrister Sara Hossain said women's contributions to political struggles are immense and called for strengthening their position in politics. She cautioned against erasing existing legal gains under the pretext of authoritarian rule.

Freedom fighter Lutfa Hasan Rozi said Bangladesh still lacks an environment necessary for equal rights and stressed that women must take the lead in building a democratic culture.

Journalist Zina Tasreen said, "I hope the future governments come up with policies that mandate female representation in the boardroom and C-suite. Corporations that promote women can be rewarded through tax rebates and such. Without financial empowerment, women's rights are useless."

Former central coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination Umama Fatema said women who played key roles in the 2024 mass uprising were sidelined after 5 August. She also raised concerns about cyberbullying against women and urged collective action to address it.

The discussion was also attended by academics, political activists, journalists and labour leaders, including Prof Mirza Taslima, Taslima Akhter, Prof Nahrin Islam Khan, Prof Shamima Sultana, journalist Zyma Islam, labour leader Kalpona Akhter, and others.