What separates a movement from an individual act of resistance is that it consists of actions by a group of individuals who share an objective and vision, and take action collectively to bring about the necessary changes. At the same time individual acts, every single gesture of defiance, can help pave the way and give momentum to the movement itself.
Ayesha Khanam, the president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, has been an integral part of the women’s movement in Bangladesh. Nilima Jahan talks to her about her journey in the women’s rights movement and her views about the present situation of women in the country.
When and how did you become involved with the Women’s Movement?
After the liberation war, there was scope for me to engage in national politics, but instead I involved myself in the women’s movement, after realising that even though many of my fellow activists were getting involved in politics, there was not enough prioritisation in protecting the rights of women.
What has motivated me the most throughout the years is the heroics of women during the anti-colonial struggle in this subcontinent and their biographies. During my eight-months long stay at Agartala in ‘71, I met many women who were involved in the anti-colonial struggle and it drove me towards the women’s movement.
In 1972, I joined Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) as a co-organising secretary. BMP was founded by Sufia Kamal, famous Bangladeshi poet, litterateur, feminist and social activist. Since then, I have been attending many national and international events, delivering speeches, organising for and with women, engaging in lobbying and advocacy, working for the end of violence against women, and much more. In 1984, I became the organising secretary of the same organisation followed by the general secretary in 1991. In 2008, I became the president. While working for women in the remote villages, I found that the general women of our society are very eager to walk unflinchingly towards positive change, and they are taking up the challenges very positively as well.
What has been the role of NGOs and other women’s rights organisations in furthering the cause of the women’s movement? How much have they achieved?
Since the 80s, as the role of development institutions strengthened around the world, __more and __more NGOs began to focus on women’s issues. These organisations have played an instrumental role in establishing the fundamental rights of women and trying to create a connection with the spirit of the anti-colonial struggle.
But we also cannot say that their role has been very satisfactory, as soon as we come across the fact that there is still a security crisis for women, widespread violence against women in families by their own members, and so on. We are extremely saddened when our decades-long of struggle is questioned by and because of these incidents. We have so many achievements -- we are being praised internationally for promoting the rights of women, we have become ‘champions’ for women’s empowerment, but then there are cases like that of Tonu’s murder.
I feel it is about time that we self-evaluate. Although the government, development organisations, and women’s rights organisations are following very good methodologies, our society does not seem to be ready to move in accordance with them. We talk about going door-to-door to engage with women, but how many employees are we getting who can give us that kind of time?
How necessary and urgent do you think it is to incorporate feminist issues in the curriculum of schools, colleges and universities?
We have always wanted to include women’s rights issues in the curriculum. But that is a work-in-progress. Other than that, we conduct study circles in many institutions, both private and public, like Dhaka University, East West University, Asa University, Asia Pacific University, and Holy Cross College, where they get the scope to talk about different issues relating to gender and women’s rights.
What is your message for the women of our country and those who want to join in the fight for equality?
From my experiences, I have found that there is no food without a price. I would say it is about time that women develop an uncompromising attitude, so that they can take their own responsibilities and decisions. At first they need to stand their own ground. This is the message of Pritilata, this is what was said by Ila Mitra, and this is the oath taken by Begum Rokeya.
For the aspiring activists and for those continuing the struggle for empowerment, I would say that from generation to generation, we will face more contradictions and obstacles. But we should have the ability to turn them into stepping stones towards our goal. Every generation has a new set of responsibilities, and they have to go forward with new slogans and new approaches. This has always been the way, this is still the way.