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Begum Rokeya: A trailblazer in women's rights from The Daily sTar

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shipra:
Begum Rokeya was a self-educated and self-reliant woman with a progressive bent of mind. Her leadership followed the transformational feminist style which is reflected in her works. Through her writings and activities, she sent a message to the women to prepare themselves to claim their rights and privileges and to help construct a better, more just society. It is surprising that such a message would come from a young Muslim woman from the colonial Bengal. She was the first woman in her society to talk about gender equality. She said, “We [women] constitute one half of the society, and if we are left behind, how can the society progress?” She realised that lack of education and low level of literacy make access to opportunities limited, and commonly undermine the confidence needed to enter public life, be it in a village, or community, or at the national level. She raised her voice through her writings and worked hard to uplift the lot of women, by instilling a sense of renaissance in them and emboldening them to taste freedom, swimming against the current of patriarchal social views.   

shipra:
Rokeya also recognised the importance of women's economic independence. She realised the importance of organised action for change and raising public awareness. In 1916, she founded the Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Islam (Muslim Women's Society), an organisation that was at the forefront of the fight for women's education and employment. Its members advocated for women's legal and political rights, sponsored women's attendance at school, gave shelter to orphans, offered legal and financial assistance to widows. It was the cornerstone of the feminist movement in Bengal, and paved the way for the vibrant and politically progressive feminist movement seen in contemporary Bangladesh.

shipra:
Till her last days, Begum Rokeya was busy with her writings, activism and social work. Her leadership, particularly in the context of the early 20th century, had amplified the impact of women's life in undivided India. Rokeya's words and messages are still very relevant to our current time and society. Her foresight, tolerance and broadmindedness can still guide women who want to pursue their dreams against all sorts of intolerance and religious bigotry. No wonder she is still a towering figure in the women's movement and a guiding light for thousands of women leaders.

shamsi:
This is so inspiring, "  Her foresight, tolerance and broad-mindedness can still guide women who want to pursue their dreams against all sorts of intolerance and religious bigotry."

Thanks for sharing.

Shamsi

drrana:
 :-\

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