WOMEN OF THE WORLD

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Star file photo

A challenge that a woman faces in Bangladesh today is the lack of creative space-- a space which will allow her to think, a platform where she will plan her actions and where she will make decisions of her own. Despite the growing popularity of women as authority figures, and also the established idea of the country being led by a woman, there is still a lot left to be desired for. As Virgina Woolf mentions in 'A Room of her own,' referring to a female author, "Give her a room of  her own and five hundred a year, let her speak her mind and leave out half that she now puts in, and she will write a better book one of these days."

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has definitely broken barriers, worked hard to reach heights and is still moving forward and establishing her dreams. Chaudhury made headlines back in 2013 when she became the first female Speaker in the Bangladesh parliament. "Of course, a speaker is a speaker, whether he or she is male or female. It is a great honour. However, being a female speaker is a huge breakthrough because even globally, there are not many countries that have a woman in this role, in their national parliaments. So I think it's a big leap forward for women empowerment. And it is an exciting feeling!"

According to Chaudhury, women are good leaders, especially when it comes to corporate houses and creative teams. "Women naturally do an exceptional job when it comes to leading political parties," she says. "This is because women are much more sensitive and can make changes for the better."

Despite all this, in many areas of society, educated women are still expected to justify their thoughts, discouraged to voice opinions and excluded while taking decisions for the family. One of the major challenges for young girls even today would be early marriage, if not child marriage. High schools, universities and even work places experience female drop-outs, as students or young employees get married and move into new families with a new set of rules.

An inspiration for many in the country, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury is a household name today. For young women trying to reach their goals, Chaudhury is outstanding example. Women all over the country are proud of her and seeing her, believe that Bangladesh has finally come of age.

Today, to honour women like Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and others who have excelled in their fields of expertise, we have dedicated our cover story to highlighting the achievements of some remarkably talented Bangladeshi women, as a celebration of the International Women's Day.