Across South Asia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they also face resistance.

Women’s voices often trigger the patriarchal power structures in all the dynamics of society, whether religious, social, or political. In this context, Bangladesh offers a compelling case study of how progress triggers backlash and what it reveals about the broader dynamics across the region.

In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed a resurgence of resistance to feminist organizing and state-led initiatives supporting women’s rights, such as the aggressive reaction to the Recommendations placed by the Interim Government’s Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs.

These efforts have been met with fierce opposition from right-wing religious groups who frame women’s empowerment as a threat to cultural and religious identity.

Political leaders encourage this trend to retain power or feel pressured and start appeasing, as well as to maintain control.

The Sapan discussion for the last Sunday of June marks the Monsoon Revolution anniversary as we revisit movements led by women, often provoking intense reactions from patriarchy.

Speakers

• Shakila Khatun, artist and youth activist

• Maheen Sultan, Member, Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs and Head, Gender & Social Transformation Cluster, BIGD, Brac University

• Dr. Fawzia Moslem, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladesh’s largest and oldest women’s organisation

• Shireen Huq, Chair of Bangladesh’s Interim Government’s Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs and founder Naripokkho

Discussion moderator

Khawar Mumtaz, feminist activist, founder member of Sapan

This discussion will launch a new Sapan series exploring gender, power, and resistance across South Asia, starting with Bangladesh.

Particularly relevant for civil society organisations working on human rights, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation, policy experts on South Asia, academics and students exploring South Asian politics, international relations, and sustainable development, activists and community leaders advocating for the rights of marginalised communities, including women, children, ethnic minorities, and religious groups.

Register to join via Zoom

Or watch live on the South Asia Peace YouTube channel.