Over 99 percent of Bangladeshis hold at least one bias against women

Nine out of 10 people in the world hold biases against women, according to UN report

The recently released UN Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) by the UN Development Programme reveals that nine out of 10 people worldwide hold biases against women, regardless of their region, income level, or culture. These sobering statistics demand immediate attention and provide critical insights into the state of gender equality globally. In Bangladesh, the index also highlights challenging statistics, indicating that despite progress towards gender equality, discriminatory beliefs and practices continue to hinder women’s access to resources and opportunities. This results in unequal access to education and jobs, limited participation in decision-making, and a persistent gender wage gap.

The need for transformative action in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is at a critical juncture where transformative action is urgently needed to challenge these biased norms. Redefining these norms and achieving true gender equality in Bangladesh requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

The persistence of gender bias

Although Bangladesh has shown a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment through gender-responsive policies and budgetary allocations, disparities still persist. Women in Bangladesh spend eight times more time on unpaid care work than men, and only 42 percent of working-age women participate in the labor force, often earning less than men. Additionally, only 13 percent of women own land. Disturbingly, more than half of women in Bangladesh have experienced physical and sexual abuse at least once in their lifetime, and the preference for a son is still prevalent among parents, leading to sex-selective abortions.

The root causes of gender bias

Gender bias in Bangladesh is rooted in norms that undervalue women’s rights and capabilities. These norms are complex and intertwined with historical, cultural, social, and economic factors. Patriarchal norms dictate men as primary decision-makers and breadwinners, while relegating women to subordinate roles. Child marriage persists, limiting girls’ access to education and economic opportunities and reinforcing traditional gender roles. Gender disparities in the labor market and social norms discouraging women’s participation further perpetuate this inequality.

The economic and political case for gender equality

The GSNI highlights the close link between gender norms and other development indicators, such as health outcomes and environmental sustainability. Challenging these norms is crucial not only for achieving gender equality but also for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Embracing gender equality is non-negotiable for Bangladesh’s economic and political prosperity. Studies show that achieving gender parity in the economy could potentially boost the global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025. Countries with women in political leadership tend to prioritize crucial public goods and foster social transformation.

Addressing discriminatory social norms

Addressing deeply entrenched norms requires a coordinated and whole-of-society approach. Nurturing the minds of future generations through gender-sensitive education is essential to challenge stereotypes and reshape societal perceptions. Engaging with local communities, grassroots organizations, and religious groups is crucial to cultivating progressive attitudes towards women’s rights. Enforcing existing laws, sensitizing law enforcement about gender issues, promoting women in leadership, ensuring equal pay, and developing innovative policy solutions tailored to diverse women’s needs are vital steps towards achieving gender equality. Men must also actively engage as allies in the fight for gender equality by challenging discriminatory beliefs and promoting positive masculinity.

The 2023 GSNI serves as a call to action for Bangladesh to continue its journey towards a more equitable future. By working together, we can build a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can contribute to making Bangladesh and the world a better place for future generations.

Stefan Liller is resident representative at UNDP Bangladesh.

Views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article discusses the persistent gender biases and discrimination faced by women in Bangladesh. It highlights the need for transformative action to challenge these norms and achieve true gender equality.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article emphasizes the need to address deep-rooted social norms and biases that perpetuate gender discrimination. It calls for a coordinated and whole-of-society approach to challenge these norms and promote inclusion.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article mentions the impact of child marriage on girls’ access to education and economic opportunities. It highlights the need to ensure that all girls have access to free, equitable, and quality education.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the limited participation of women in the labor force, unequal pay, and the gender wage gap. It emphasizes the importance of achieving full and productive employment and equal pay for all women and men.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article mentions the high prevalence of physical and sexual abuse against women in Bangladesh. It calls for an end to abuse and violence against women.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

The article highlights the need to challenge discriminatory beliefs and practices that stifle women’s access to resources and opportunities. It calls for an end to gender-based discrimination.

Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life

The article emphasizes the importance of promoting women’s participation in political and corporate leadership positions. It calls for equal opportunities for women to participate in decision-making processes.

Target 10.2: By 2030, 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

The article highlights the need to challenge deep-rooted social norms and biases that perpetuate gender discrimination. It calls for the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of gender or other characteristics.

Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes

The article mentions the impact of child marriage on girls’ access to education. It calls for ensuring that all girls have access to free, equitable, and quality education.

Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value

The article discusses the limited participation of women in the labor force, unequal pay, and the gender wage gap. It calls for achieving full and productive employment, decent work, and equal pay for all.

Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children

The article mentions the high prevalence of physical and sexual abuse against women in Bangladesh. It calls for an end to abuse and violence against women.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Percentage of women who have experienced physical and sexual abuse at least once in their lifetime
• Percentage of women who hold biases against their own gender
• Percentage of women in political and corporate leadership positions in Bangladesh
• Percentage of women participating in the labor force
• Percentage of girls with access to education in Bangladesh
• Percentage

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