At the National Conference on Women’s Movement Navigating Change in South Asia, held on December 8 at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka, speakers discussed the impact of economic shocks and rising populist agendas on women’s rights in the region. Organized by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) and the SuPWR project, the conference brought together experts from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Speakers noted that political and economic shifts in these countries have polarised public discourse on gender equality, exploited women’s empowerment, and led to increased threats and violence against women’s rights activists. Shireen Pervin Huq, Chair of Bangladesh’s Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, lauded women’s role in the July uprising, contrasting it with the backlash female activists faced in earlier years.
Dr. Imran Matin, Executive Director of BIGD, stressed the need to critically examine progressivity and backlash to ensure inclusive advocacy for women’s rights. Maheen Sultan, Senior Fellow at BIGD, highlighted the importance of actively engaging in social movements for change.
The event also featured an exhibition of artwork, photo stories, and audiovisual outputs from gender justice struggles across South Asia. The exhibition will remain open until 9 December 2024.