The recent incident in Rajbari involving a woman entrepreneur is most deplorable. The woman was publicly humiliated and beaten in presence of law enforcement personnel following a dispute over her business. A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, shows several people kicking and beating her.
Police told the media that the incident happened in a sequel to a business dispute. No matter, whatever the dispute may be, there can be no justification for physically assaulting or publicly humiliating a woman. Any row does not give anyone the right to behave like this.
Assaulting a woman is unacceptable in any circumstance, but this incident is particularly unacceptable because it happened in public and in presence of law enforcement personnel. Several people joining the attack raises a disquieting question: how seriously do we, as a society, take the rights of women? The answer is frustrating, undoubtedly.
There is no denying that Bangladesh has made significant progress towards women's participation in the economy, education, job and politics. Women are running businesses, working in factories and offices and leading organisations. They appear to be the engine of the readymade garment industry, the largest export earner. Yet, in many pockets of society, the old attitude towards women remains alive.
A woman who dares speak is often considered troublesome, a woman who confronts somebody is sometimes called arrogant and a woman who demands her due rights sometimes finds herself under threat or intimidation.
The Rajbari incident also shows how fast a small dispute can escalate into collective intimidation and violence. Several people attacking a woman in a public place should concern everyone. It also raises questions about whether bystanders, business associations and men in uniform understand their responsibility when a woman is subjected to physical abuse.
Working women, particularly entrepreneurs, already face numerous obstacles. Access to finance, markets and business networks often appear difficult for them, while social expectations place additional burdens on them. Public humiliation and physical intimidation create bigger barriers for them. If women feel that getting into a dispute with anyone, particularly males, or defending their interests could expose them to abuse or violence, many will simply prefer remaining silent. That will be a serious setback for a country where leaders, civil society members and the progressive section of society often speak of women's rights and empowerment.
Women's rights should not remain confined to laws, policy documents, speeches and celebrations. They have to be protected everywhere -- workplaces, streets, markets, and homes. The real test of women's rights and empowerment is not how loudly we praise successful women but how we treat an ordinary woman when she is vulnerable.
The Rajbari incident should be considered a fresh wake-up call. It deserves more than a few days of social-media outrage. It demands a proper probe and action so that people responsible are meted out the punishment they deserve. It also requires us to examine the culture that allows public humiliation of women in such a manner.
A woman may be right or wrong, powerful or powerless, liked or disliked. None of these should undermine her right to dignity and safety, because that right is unconditional and inalienable.
If we really want to make Bangladesh a society where women can participate equally in economic activities and public life, we must protect their rights first. Under no circumstances should those rights be taken away.
