The New Nation - Internet Edition

Farizaa Sabreen

With the progressive change in the economic structure of the country many women are living out of their homes in search of employment. Accommodation becomes a major problem for most working women in Dhaka city. Due to disadvantaged social and economic status, women's housing problems are often overlooked in policy and program agendas.

Traditional society does not want to accept new accommodation style for women. When women stay alone our society gets all kinds of ideas and loves to harass them. In our country, most of the landlords do not want to rent houses to single women. And nosy landlords cluck their tooth if a male relative comes.

But the young workingwoman living on her own is now firmly part of the urban mainstream. For this, hostel is a boon to the thousands of workingwomen who come to the capital every year either for higher studies or for work.

Women need a safe place for space, privacy, security and basic facilities all at a reasonable cost. Insecure and inadequate shelter, however, threatens physical and mental health and the overall quality of life.

Hostel life offers many exciting experiences. There one meets others of very different backgrounds and personalities. With more interaction comes greater need to adjust and accept, especially with other roommates.

It is necessary to take positive action to ensure more hostels in Dhaka and other cities of our country. Government should introduce a scheme for construction of new hostels and expansion of existing building.