Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Epaper

Hidden costs of excluding women from leadership 

Published : Monday, 23 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 430
Musfika Laiju
Despite being home to nearly half of the global population, women in South Asia remain underrepresented in leadership roles across social, political, and rights-based spheres. This disparity is glaring in Bangladesh and its neighboring countries, where systemic challenges, deep-rooted patriarchy, and socio-economic barriers persistently hinder women's advancement to the forefront. Understanding the reasons behind this exclusion is crucial for creating a society that values equality and justice.

The cultural fabric of South Asia is deeply woven with patriarchal norms. Historically, leadership roles in this region have been monopolized by men, with women's contributions relegated to the private sphere. Traditional beliefs dictate that women should focus on domestic responsibilities, perpetuating the stereotype that leadership is a male domain. These cultural norms have long discouraged women from aspiring to positions of power, let alone pursuing them.

In Bangladesh, while women like Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia have led the nation, these exceptions often result from familial political legacies rather than systemic change. Across South Asia, similar patterns emerge, with leaders like Indira Gandhi in India and Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan also ascending to power through dynastic politics rather than a shift in societal attitudes toward women's leadership.
Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, but access to quality education remains uneven for women in South Asia. Many girls are denied education due to poverty, early marriage, or social norms that prioritize boys' schooling over girls'. Without adequate education, women are less equipped to compete for leadership roles.

The political arena in South Asia is notoriously male-dominated. Women aspiring to political leadership face significant hurdles, including lack of party support, limited access to funding, and a toxic political culture that often resorts to character assassination and gendered attacks. In Bangladesh, while the constitution guarantees equality, the reality is far from it, with only 22.5% of parliamentary seats held by women as of 2024, many of which are reserved rather than contested.

Institutional frameworks also fail to support women's leadership. The absence of policies promoting gender parity in decision-making roles and the lack of enforcement of existing laws further marginalize women. For instance, gender quotas in political parties or corporate boards are either nonexistent or inadequately implemented, rendering them ineffective in addressing the leadership gap.

The scarcity of female role models in leadership positions further perpetuates the cycle of exclusion. Young women aspiring to lead often lack mentors who can guide them through the challenges of navigating male-dominated spaces. The absence of visible success stories makes it harder for women to envision themselves in leadership roles.

While some trailblazing women have broken barriers, their experiences are often not leveraged to inspire or mentor the next generation. Additionally, the tokenism associated with appointing a few women leaders without addressing structural barriers further alienates aspiring women leaders.

The challenges faced by women in South Asia are not monolithic. Intersectional factors such as caste, class, ethnicity, and religion compound the barriers to leadership. In Bangladesh, indigenous women, women with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities face additional layers of discrimination.For example, indigenous women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts face systemic exclusion not only as women but also as members of ethnic minorities. Similarly, Dalit women in India, Nepal and Bangladesh encounter caste-based discrimination alongside gender bias, making their path to leadership even more arduous.

Media plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes, but the portrayal of women in South Asian media often reinforces stereotypes. Women leaders are scrutinized for their appearance, personal lives, and perceived emotionality rather than their capabilities or achievements. This biased portrayal discourages women from seeking leadership roles and perpetuates the belief that they are ill-suited for such positions.

In Bangladesh, coverage of women leaders often focuses on their familial ties or personal controversies rather than their policy contributions. This skewed representation undermines their credibility and reinforces patriarchal narratives.

The journey toward dismantling the systemic exclusion of women from leadership roles requires a holistic and strategic approach, weaving together multiple threads of change.It begins with education and skill development, ensuring girls have access to quality education and equipping women with leadership training. Programs like vocational training and mentorship initiatives can bridge the skills gap, empowering women to step confidently into leadership positions.Equally vital is economic empowerment. Policies that promote women's economic participation-such as ensuring equal pay, facilitating access to credit, and supporting women entrepreneurs-can strengthen their financial independence and decision-making power, creating a foundation for leadership.

Recognizing diversity is essential. An intersectional approach ensures that policies and programs address the unique challenges faced by women from different backgrounds, providing targeted interventions for marginalized groups to meet their specific needs.

Finally, the media has a powerful role to play. Promoting fair and balanced representation of women leaders in media can reshape public perceptions and challenge harmful stereotypes. Media literacy programs can further educate the public on the importance of gender equality in leadership, reinforcing the broader narrative of inclusion and equity.

By interweaving these threads, society can move closer to a future where women not only participate but thrive as leaders in all spheres of life.

The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in Bangladesh and South Asia is a complex issue rooted in historical, cultural, and structural factors. While progress has been made in some areas, much remains to be done to ensure that women can contribute equally to social, political, and rights-based spheres. Breaking the barriers requires collective efforts from governments, civil society, and individuals to create an inclusive society where women can lead without fear or prejudice. Only then can South Asia harness the full potential of its population and move toward a more equitable and just future.

The writer is a human rights activist


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