We must allow girls to pursue their dreams

Mon. September 30, 2024 10:00 Last update: Mon. September 30, 2024 12:24

Girls should be raised to be confident, strong, ambitious, brave, independent and humane. FILE PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

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Girls should be raised to be confident, strong, ambitious, brave, independent and humane. FILE PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

I once spoke to Tajul Islam, former principal of Thakurgaon Degree College. He founded the Rangatungi Pramila Football Academy in Ranisankail upazila about 10 years ago. He shared: “Five players from this academy represent the national team in different age groups. Some just got a chance in the Bangladesh Army as players, which changed their lives. As a result, interest in football among the girls’ players has increased.”

Most of the area’s residents live below the poverty line. However, despite many challenges, approximately 50 girls between the ages of 10 and 20 have joined this academy. This has increased the pressure on organizers who are struggling to cover expenses related to training materials, sports equipment, site preparation, medical and travel costs.

While I feel encouraged to recognize girls’ success in sports and acknowledge people like Tajul Islam, it is still very depressing to think about the situation of child marriage in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in South Asia and globally ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest rate of child marriage.

A study by BRAC titled “Born to be a Bride” (October 2023) shows that child marriage occurs regardless of girls’ socio-economic background. In addition to poverty and social insecurity, parents cited finding “suitable grooms” as one of the main reasons for marrying off their daughters. Limitations in law enforcement are also a significant problem, and the second is social acceptance of this practice. Additionally, nearly two years of school closures and rising poverty during the Covid-19 pandemic have increased child marriages.

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In addition to child marriage, there are other challenges related to discriminatory attitudes and prejudices against girls and women in our society. I was concerned by the recent announcement of an English medium school in Dhaka, where two boys study mathematics and robotics and a girl plays the violin. To me, this was a blatant example of gender stereotyping as the media and entertainment industry continues to portray women in trivial ways. Limiting children to the narrow limits of stereotypical gender expectations affects their ability to reach their full potential.

Adolescent girls’ lives are shrinking due to social insecurity. In many cases, their mobility is limited and they are unable to take advantage of opportunities. It is our responsibility to make society safe for girls by strengthening child protection systems at community and national levels.

I recently spoke to some adolescent girls in Dhaka. They have their own analyzes and thoughts on a wide range of issues, from the importance of environmental protection to the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives. Some of them write novels on the Internet, others learn foreign languages, still others are interested in karate, and still others deal with graphic design. I hoped to learn their views on various aspects of society and culture.

Swedish author Astrid Lindgren created a character called Pippi Longstocking – the strongest girl in the world. Pippy lives with her horse and monkey (Mr. Nilsson) and has the courage to do anything. The story of this extraordinary girl, who lives according to her own rules, fears no one and is empathetic towards others, has become part of classic literature.

Bangladeshi girls are braver than Pippi. I have seen such girls in different parts of the country – from the char of Lalmonirhat to the haor of Sunamganj. They are determined to build their own lives.

However, this cannot be achieved without investing in girls’ education, health, protection and sports.

Initiatives must be taken to compensate for the loss of education caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is important for married girls and adolescent mothers to return to school so that they can develop the skills needed for economic, social and political empowerment.

Girls should be raised to be confident, strong, ambitious, brave, independent and humane. We should listen to them when making decisions on matters that affect their lives. Additionally, boys should be taught to respect girls and women. Equal relationships between men and women in the family are also extremely important because children learn by observing the adults around them.

On a larger scale, writers, artists and cultural activists can create realistic and inspiring stories about female characters. Parents need to be very careful when choosing books, movies, toys, etc. for their children, while the media can take steps to highlight women who are positive role models.

Bangladeshi girls march forward. They want to reach the sky. If we encourage girls to dream and support them on their journey, they can succeed in all professions and contribute significantly to society. Are we ready and willing to perform our responsibilities?

Laila Khondkar is an international development worker.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author.

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