Women’s empowerment in politics on the riseThere is broad consensus that women’s increased participation in politics is necessary for both the democratic development of the country, as well as women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. ‘Reserved seats needed until favourable environment is created’Mahabub Ara Begum Gini—thrice-elected MP from the ninth to 11th parliamentary elections, for Gaibandha 2 — said reserved seats are there for women’s empowerment. “For as long as a favourable environment is not created for women, reserved seats are an absolute necessity,” Mahabub Ara said. The women’s reserved seats should be increased to one-third of the whole of parliament, said Ayseha. “The reserved seats should be increased, but the patriarchal system of selecting women for those seats should be changed.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 11, 2019 18:22 UTC