By Suman Ali, from Rajshahi
On the occasion of International Rural Women’s Day 2025, the Karigorpra Women’s Development Organization under Ward No. 8 of Baragachhi Union in Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, celebrated the day with due respect and enthusiasm.
The event featured a discussion highlighting women’s rights, empowerment, capacity, equality, importance in society, and recognition of their work. On this occasion, the participating women organized a colorful exhibition showcasing a variety of handcrafted items made by their own hands, including nakshi kantha (embroidered quilts), handmade fans, pillow covers, scarves, mats made from date palm leaves, brooms, quilt covers, and hand-stitched bedsheets.
During the discussion, participants emphasized that if rural women and their work were properly recognized and valued, they could play a more active role in advancing society.
Renuka Begum (43), a member of the organization, while sharing her experience said, “Alongside managing all household responsibilities, I use my spare time to make various handmade crafts. I produce items like embroidered quilts, dresses, scarves, and two-piece or three-piece clothing sets, often based on local orders.”
She went on saying, “But when I try to sell them in the market, I rarely get a fair price, sometimes not even half of the production cost. The main reason is that women like us do not have the same access, safety, or respect in the marketplace as men. If a proper system were established for selling our products, we could become self-reliant and move forward with our dreams. But in a male-dominated society, we are still waiting for that opportunity.”
Another member, Kajoli Begum (39), said, “In our families, men and women work equally, yet neither at home nor in society do women’s labor get recognized. If someone compared men’s and women’s work, they would see how much more we do every day. Men work outside, but we manage both the home and family. If our household labor was given proper recognition or wages, men would fall behind because they could never afford to pay what our work is worth.”
The women collectively voiced a powerful message saying, “We are women, and we are capable.” They also highlighted that rural women start their day before everyone else, managing all household tasks from preparing meals and sending children to school to finishing late-night chores like hanging mosquito nets. Their relentless effort keeps families and communities running. The participants concluded that recognizing women’s contribution and labor is essential for building a just and equitable society.
