A Need for "Less Paperwork, More Activity!"

Dear Ms. Michelle Bachelet,

Bangladesh is one among those countries who aim to value the potential of women and here, the number of working women almost equals to the number of working men- which is a clear sign of increased women empowerment. But still, the Bangladeshi women face situations of gender inequality every now and then. For example, though the local public bus services have reserved seats for women, the number is limited to three to nine only. This makes traveling inside the town more difficult for women because men take the chance and say that "You have reserved seats..., so sit over there!" They forget that the remaining seats are for both men and women, not for men only.

Again, if we consider the labor-wage rates, the rate for female labor is on an average Tk. 150 a day whereas the male laborers are paid with on an average Tk 220 per day. I once asked one labor-contractor why there is such a difference in the amount paid to the laborers. What he replied seem very vague to me. He said that- "Men have to run their families. That's why they need to be paid more." Hearing this, I instantly asked him three questions- First, don't women have families? Second, don't women contribute in their families with their incomes? Third, do women earn money only for buying cosmetics to look good?"

With these questions, I was able to make him rethink what he replied to me earlier. But, to change the viewpoint of the whole society, more voices have to be raised. I am happy that after a long wait by the women across the globe, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has officially begun its work this month. I expect that this agency will address the problems regarding gender equality in practical manners and won't be confined within paper-works and merely calculating the statistics of how many women are falling victims to gender inequality, how many women are being suppressed by their male counterparts, etc...etc... It is high time that some effective measures are taken by the new agency to make the lives of us, the women folk, better and livable.

With Regards-
Tanzina Ahmed Choudhury
Student (Independent University, Bangladesh)
City: Chittagong, Country: Bangladesh.

As the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women officially begins its work this month, World Pulse is asking women worldwide: What is YOUR vision and recommendation for UN Women? We invite you to raise your voice by writing a letter to UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet outlining your recommendation for how this new UN agency can truly affect change on the ground to promote gender equality and uphold the rights and needs of women both on a local and global scale.
Learn more: http://www.worldpulse.com/pulsewire/programs/international-violence-agai...