Photo : Collected
A trailblazer in catalysing women’s empowerment within our society and literature, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain holds a distinctive position. In an era where Muslim women were confined to a life under strict veils from birth to death, denied access to the enlightening glow of education, Begum Rokeya emerged as a prominent social activist and reformer. Her mission was to liberate women, fostering their autonomy to propel the holistic development of both the individual and the country.
Begum Rokeya endeavoured to empower women through her distinctive strength and literary prowess. Simultaneously, she assumed the role of a social reformer, wielding her efforts in both writing incisively and actively engaging with societal transformation.
In her plea to awaken the dormant women to a heightened consciousness, Begum Rokeya declared, “So wake up, wake up sister!” She astutely highlighted the constraints embedded in societal norms, emphasizing the stringent veil imposed on unmarried girls in the country. Through her writings, she underscored the unparalleled joy derived from intellectual pursuits, advocating that women’s interests should extend beyond mere adornment to embrace a thirst for knowledge.
Examining Begum Rokeya’s statements reveals her as the pioneering advocate for Muslim women’s emancipation, wholly committed to translating her eloquent writings into tangible actions. For the betterment of women, she assumed the responsibility of nurturing the future mothers of society, illuminating the path of education amidst the darkness. In 1911, she founded the inaugural ‘Sakhawat Memorial School’ for Muslim girls, laying the foundation for institutionalized women’s education. Recognising the imperative to mobilize Muslim women, she established the ‘Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Islam’ in February 1916 – thereby aiming to unite women for societal advancement and rights.
In an era marked by societal barriers and biases against educating girls, forming associations dedicated to mothers and encouraging social work signifies Begum Rokeya’s boundless courage. Inspired by Rokeya’s ideals, hundreds of public and private organisations have been established in Bangladesh for the development, empowerment and protection of women's rights. Moreover, numerous women are trying to establish themselves on a personal level following her ideals.
The observation of Begum Rokeya Day in 2023 on Saturday, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina awarding the “Begum Rokeya Padak-2023” to five distinguished women, reflects the ongoing recognition of her legacy. While various socio-cultural organisations commemorated the day with diverse programmes, it is essential to implement Begum Rokeya’s ideology actively to keep our women informed and educated.
Messenger/Fameema
