Bangladesh has made notable progress in women’s rights over the past decade, yet significant challenges persist. As the country moves toward upper-middle-income status, gender equality remains a critical issue. This in-depth analysis examines:
- Key Achievements in Women’s Rights (2020-2025)
- Ongoing Challenges & Barriers
- Legal Reforms & Policy Developments
- Economic & Political Empowerment
- Violence Against Women Trends
- Future Outlook & Recommendations
By 2025, Bangladesh ranks 65th in the Global Gender Gap Index—an improvement from 71st in 2021—but still faces deep-rooted gender disparities.
1. Progress in Women’s Rights (2020-2025)
A. Education & Literacy
✔ Girls’ school enrollment now at 98% (primary level)
✔ Gender parity achieved in secondary education
✔ Female literacy rate increased to 75% (from 69% in 2020)
B. Economic Participation
✔ RMG sector employs 4 million women (80% of workforce)
✔ Female labor force participation rose to 42% (from 36% in 2020)
✔ Digital financial inclusion – 65% of women now use mobile banking
C. Political Representation
✔ 21% female MPs in parliament (up from 20% in 2020)
✔ 50,000+ women in local government (reserved seats system)
✔ First female Chief Justice appointed in 2024
D. Health Improvements
✔ Maternal mortality rate dropped to 123 per 100,000 births
✔ Contraceptive use increased to 67% among married women
✔ Stunting in girls reduced by 12% since 2020
2. Persistent Challenges in Women’s Rights
A. Gender-Based Violence
- 1 in 3 women faces domestic violence (BBS 2025)
- Dowry-related deaths – 200+ cases annually
- Acid attacks still reported at 100+ per year
B. Economic Inequality
- Gender pay gap remains at 25% (urban areas)
- Only 7% of women hold formal bank loans
- Unpaid care work consumes 6.4 hours/day for women
C. Political & Social Barriers
- Women hold only 5% of corporate board seats
- Child marriage rate still 51% (under-18 girls)
- Cyber harassment cases surged by 300% since 2020
3. Legal & Policy Developments (2020-2025)
A. Progressive Laws
✔ Digital Security Act (amended 2024) – Stronger cybercrime penalties
✔ Domestic Violence Prevention Act (2023) – Expanded protections
✔ Hindu Women’s Inheritance Rights (2025) – Landmark equality ruling
B. Gaps in Implementation
❌ Low conviction rates for rape cases (only 3%)
❌ Weak enforcement of workplace harassment laws
❌ “Eve teasing” laws rarely applied
4. Economic Empowerment: Successes & Shortcomings
A. Positive Trends
- Female entrepreneurs grew by 30% since 2020
- Women-led SMEs contribute 15% to GDP
- Garment sector unions now 35% female-led
B. Ongoing Struggles
- 75% of women work in informal sector (no benefits)
- Only 12% of women own land
- COVID-19 pushed 2 million women out of jobs
5. Violence Against Women: Alarming Trends
A. Recent Statistics (2025)
- Rape cases reported daily: 8-10 (actual numbers likely higher)
- Dowry-related violence: 1,200+ cases yearly
- Cyberbullying victims: 60% are women under 30
B. Systemic Failures
- Police often discourage FIRs in domestic violence cases
- Shelters & legal aid remain underfunded
- Social stigma prevents reporting
6. Future Outlook & Recommendations
A. 2025-2030 Projections
✔ More women in tech & leadership roles expected
✔ Stronger laws against online harassment coming
✔ Child marriage rate may drop below 40% by 2030
B. Key Recommendations
- Strict enforcement of existing laws (rape, dowry, workplace safety)
- National campaign against gender stereotypes
- Quotas for women in corporate & political leadership
- Expansion of childcare support for working mothers
- Digital literacy programs to combat cyber harassment
Conclusion
Bangladesh has advanced women’s rights significantly since 2000, particularly in education, health, and microfinance. However, deep structural inequalities persist in wages, political power, and safety.
The next five years will be crucial for:
✔ Closing the gender pay gap
✔ Reducing violence against women
✔ Ensuring equal representation in leadership
With stronger policies, better enforcement, and societal change, Bangladesh can become a regional leader in gender equality by 2030.