Report on the July Revolution and the Role of Bangladeshi Feminists in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The July Revolution of 2024 in Bangladesh, also known as the Student-People uprising, was a significant pro-democratic mass movement that successfully ousted the authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina. Central to this movement was the leadership and active participation of women and girls, who played a vital role in advancing democratic reforms. This uprising aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Historically, Bangladeshi women have been instrumental in democracy movements, including the 1971 independence movement. Following the legacy of feminist pioneer Begum Rokeya, Bangladeshi feminists have consistently challenged patriarchal structures and advocated for women’s rights while resisting narrow interpretations of religion and nationalism. Indigenous feminists have further pushed for inclusive citizenship, reflecting SDG 10’s emphasis on reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive societies.

Bangladeshi Feminists and Anti-Imperial Global South Feminism

Bangladeshi feminists have been at the forefront of a political praxis that navigates patriarchy, global capitalism, nationalism, Islamophobia, and Global North dominance. Their activism embodies a transformative vision for women’s material conditions rooted in Global South realities, contributing to SDG 5 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting inclusive and equitable participation in global governance.

Despite international efforts at gender mainstreaming, current approaches often fail to incorporate the lived experiences of Global South women or recognize intersectional oppression and colonial legacies. This report urges the United Nations and international agencies to adopt a decolonial, intersectional feminist framework that centers grassroots Global South women’s struggles, such as those witnessed in the July Revolution.

Mobilization for Gender Equity and Democratic Reforms

1. Following the July Revolution, women activists successfully advocated for the formation of the Women’s Affairs Commission under the interim government.
2. The Commission proposed comprehensive reforms including a uniform family law applicable to women of all religions, addressing marriage, divorce, and inheritance rights, advancing SDG 5.
3. Opposition from conservative groups such as Hefazat-e-Islam was met with organized resistance by women, exemplified by the Women’s Solidarity March.
4. Bangladeshi feminists countered external criticisms and narratives that sought to delegitimize the movement, emphasizing sovereignty and self-determination consistent with SDG 16.

Rejection of Imperial Feminism and International Recognition

• Bangladeshi student leaders notably rejected the 2025 U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award to protest U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Palestine.
• This act highlighted a critique of colonial and imperial feminism, which often instrumentalizes women’s rights for geopolitical agendas.
• Historical and contemporary scholarship illustrates how imperialist and local elite narratives have shaped gender reforms, often reinforcing existing hierarchies rather than dismantling them.
• Global South feminisms challenge these paradigms by foregrounding justice, decoloniality, and the agency of marginalized communities, contributing to SDG 5 and SDG 16.

Intersection of Feminist and International Legal Frameworks

Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) and feminist international law scholars emphasize the intersections of gender with race, colonialism, and economic subjugation. These perspectives enrich feminist critiques of international law and suggest pathways for transformative change aligned with SDG 10 and SDG 16.

Policy Implications for International Law and Sustainable Development

1. Current international legal frameworks often reflect Eurocentric and colonial feminist perspectives, resulting in depoliticized gender mainstreaming that limits transformative potential.
2. Economic policies promoted by international agencies have sometimes fostered exploitative labor conditions, particularly in Bangladesh’s garment industry, undermining SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
3. Recommendations include adopting a decolonial, intersectional Global South feminist framework in the formulation, application, and evaluation of international legal instruments such as CEDAW and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
4. Engagement with local feminist organizations through consultative processes and regional advisory committees is essential to integrate grassroots perspectives into international policymaking.
5. Examples such as the International Labor Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention (C189) demonstrate how grassroots organizing can successfully influence international labor standards, advancing SDG 8 and SDG 5.
6. Further policy measures include binding international human rights laws on transnational corporations, legal protections for women workers, environmental protections, and safeguarding human rights defenders, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 16.

Conclusion

Critical feminist traditions from the Global South offer more than critique; they provide frameworks to contest and restructure international law to promote political and economic autonomy for women. The leadership of Bangladeshi women in the July Revolution exemplifies the potential for feminist movements to drive structural transformation beyond symbolic inclusion, directly contributing to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Author

Chaumtoli Huq is a Professor of Law at CUNY School of Law and a leading scholar in transnational law, specializing in employment and labor law, migration, and human rights, with a focus on social movements in the United States and South Asia.

Image Credit

Tanvir Khondokar, Unsplash Content License, Unsplash.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses heavily on women’s leadership in democracy movements, gender equity advocacy, and feminist activism in Bangladesh.
   • Issues such as gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and combating patriarchal and religious orthodoxy are central themes.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The July Revolution is described as a pro-democratic mass uprising aimed at ousting authoritarian leadership and promoting democratic reforms.
   • Advocacy for human rights, political participation, and reforms in governance are discussed.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article references exploitative labor conditions in the garment industry and economic insecurities among youth.
   • It discusses the International Labor Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention (C189) and labor rights.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Focus on intersectional oppression, colonial legacies, and marginalized communities such as indigenous women.
   • Calls for inclusive citizenship and recognition of diverse identities.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Emphasis on international cooperation, reform of international law, and engagement of grassroots organizations in policymaking.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
   • Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.18: Enhance capacity-building support to developing countries to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments (implied through women’s leadership in democracy movements).
   • Existence and implementation of laws and policies promoting gender equality, such as uniform family law reforms.
   • Number of women participating in protests and advocacy movements (e.g., Women’s Solidarity March).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
   • Number of democratic reforms enacted by interim government (e.g., formation of Women’s Affairs Commission).
   • Level of participation of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.
   • Incidence of political persecution against human rights defenders.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Ratification and implementation status of ILO Domestic Workers Convention C189.
   • Number of labor protections established, such as mandated rest hours and protections against violence.
   • Employment rates and working conditions in sectors like garment industry.
4. Indicators Related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Measures of social, economic, and political inclusion of marginalized groups, including indigenous women.
   • Policies addressing intersectional oppression and colonial legacies.
5. Indicators Related to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Number and effectiveness of consultative mechanisms involving grassroots Global South women in international policymaking.
   • Data availability and quality reflecting lived experiences of marginalized women.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: gjia.georgetown.edu