The New Nation - Internet Edition

Ensuring gender equity

Muhammad Quamrul Islam

A lot has been said in the seminars held at different cozy auditoriums in the capital, by different organizations including same person under different banners on national women development policy-2008, carried in electronic and print media, whose impact is awaited. Has it stirred women and men in different strata of society, and mobilized public opinion at grassroots levels? The so-called religion based parties did not lose time to seize a point to make their presences felt, demanded scrapping of national women development policy without stating the reasons but touching the sensibility of innocent poor ignorant Muslim, say those Friday rallies at north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque reported in the media.

These parties run on autocratic lines all along till to date dared to do it under emergency that don't have inner party democracy of any sort. Nor enjoy public support except some followers, but toe a big party citing them as vote bank, under their command, get support of a big party or ruling regime, said an Islamic scholar. It is reported those parties called in current dialogues with non-party caretaker government [CG] would object the national women development policy. On going CG ought to have faced them strongly, as it is not a new issue, instead of giving indulgence, as pointed out by writer Prof Muhammad Jafar Iqbal in an article on 'Love for Mothers' published in a national vernacular daily on May 9, 2008.

He said four advisers of CG formed a Committee of 'Alem Olama' to review the policy that throughout their lives have opposed progressive activities, and raised obstacles to all types of development of women. There is no woman in this committee of ' Alem Olama'. Is there none in this country of 150 million populations, half of whom is woman, who is well versed in religion and talk in meeting of the committee from Islamic point of view? What type of logic women development policy reviewed by anti- women male? Again it is against section 3.5 of declared policy, but it has allowed give scope misinterpret Islam by them- pseudo Islamic scholars! Look at the photo of Nari Adhikar Andolan published in national dailies on May 7, 2008, which showed roundtable discussion on ' the rights of women in Islam'; Cemon Ara Begum, Principal, Government Titumir College spoke. So, why a woman was not included in that committee is not understood.

True, present CG is composed of scattered persons. We have seen advisers to step down suddenly. Why they acted irresponsibly in forming that committee, would people pardon them? It enabled 'Alem Olema' to speak irrelevantly even to indignity mother that might not have been in their minds! Not only that, they in the name of religion spoke changes in the policy, which if agreed to would be a repressive policy, he said rightly.

See how eloquently he explains position of women in Islam in the light of holy Al Quran and Hadith, not what happening in Muslim countries. Man and Woman are equal in rights and gender differences cannot stand on the way. Mother gets respect from children higher than father who gets a consolation prize. There are physical differences, which confers so responsibilities, should not be misconstrued deprive women due rights; eventually means equal between men and women. In no case women should be degraded but respected. We would request all to watch this channel, and question answer session where non- Muslims and Muslims are at liberty to put up questions that may arise in their minds for answer by Dr Zakir Naik. It is clear many have no proper understanding of the position of women in Islam, concerned persons from this country contact Peace TV: The Solution for humanity in this information age for clarifications.

Let us take a look at national women development policy 2008. It is a small document, which comprises 19 pages only. There are five chapters in it. In the first chapter condition of women in Bangladesh: introduction, world perspective and Bangladesh, position of the women in development plans of Bangladesh, women and human rights, women in human resource, politics and administration, organizational and institutional means in the women development.

Chapter 2 contains: objectives of national women development policy stating specific 19 targets. It appears from the copy of policy I got the ordering of numbers should have been 2.1 to 2.19 instead of 1.1 to 1.19. It causes duplication of numbers in document, as 1.1 to 1.6 has appeared twice under two different subjects, which is not proper as correctly said.

Chapter 3 to ensuring human rights of women and fundamental freedom, abolition of all types of discriminations against female child and towards that enact new necessary laws, eliminate all repressions on women, armed conflict and condition of women, education and training, sports and culture, ensuring equal participation of women in every national economic activities, political empowerment of women, women in administration, health and nutrition, housing and shelter, women and environment, women and mass media, to specially distressed women.

Chapter 4: implementation strategy of national women development policy, national level, women development focal point, women development implementation monitoring committee, district and upazila levels, grassroots levels, cooperation with NGO and social organization in women development, research on women and gender equality, strengthen women development training institution.

Chapter 5 contains work plan and program strategy, financial provision, empowerment of women and international cooperation.

It has been rightly observed; as one goes through this policy one will not find any point to object. Even then 'Alem Olema' found it necessary to object in the name of religion that has dumbfounded the pious Muslims. It seems they are afraid of women empowerment. They are against quota system on the plea it is undignified for women. But, interestingly they said dignity of woman is less than man. They do not take notice of violence against women countrywide reported in the media, say- sexual assaults, rapes, throwing of acid, killing wife, trafficking of women and children, prostitution, bribery, etc. What they did to improve moral, as this country is rated most corrupt in the world? Took no action, but part of ruling regime.

Zobaida Nasrin in her article published in a national vernacular daily May 20, 2008 said sexual harassments occurred in three public universities late April and early May, against which there're agitations movements continuing, reported in media. But accused teachers are yet to be punished. If students are accused, they get punishments; but if the accused is teacher all become active to save him. In recent times most allegations are leveled against teachers. Would they be pardoned for same offence? The matter is brought to the notice of Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman for immediate action, and Women Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury for making specific provision in the Policy against it, as felt by the writer Zobaida. She further added women are mostly victims of such crime in working places and other places including educational institutions. When women were so hilarious, at the declaration of national women development policy, incidents like sexual harassment in universities made them hopeless. CG can take action against culprits; there is no party patronage now. Otherwise uncertainty would continue to prevail.

Thanks to Fahima Khanam Executive Director MDS who invited me to attend review meeting on May11 well in time, reminded, and in pursuance Shamsuzzaman Milon met me to accompany. Due to my indisposition I could not undertake the journey in spite of my keen desire to attend. I prefer such meeting hearty and productive to Dhaka that is to great extent publicity prone. I was mentally present there though not physically talked to Fahima in course of meeting on that day over mobile who told me progress, gave in turn to another concerned for exchanging views. I got the proceedings of the meeting, which I would like to share with readers.

It was organized by Association of Local development agencies in Norsingdi [ALDN] and held at ITDE room of MDS head office, which was attended by fifty representatives. Sakiba Khatoon, Deputy Program Manager, Campaign for Popular Education, presented the keynote paper, while Fahima Khanam, Coordinator of ALDN and Executive Director of MDS made introductory speech. Ex Assistant Air Chief Air Commodore M Shafiqul Islam moderated the meeting

The review meeting on national women development policy was presided over by Prof Nurjahan Begum and detailed discussions were held, participated by local leaders. They are Norsingdi district women affairs officer Rashida Begum, Principal Mashiur Rahman Mridha, Journalists Abu Taher and Kazi Anwar Kamal, Advocate Kaniz Fatema, district deputy director of Bangladesh Islamic Foundation, regional coordinator Dhaka Ahsania Mission, senior teacher Ferdous Alam, Advocate Abdul Aziz, President of ALDN M A Salam and others. Apart, Journalist M Zainul Abedin, executive director and coordinator of local organizations- Rahela Begum, Dil Tanjila Dalia and so on were present.

The speakers called for ensuring participations of women in all activities for sustainable development of this country. It is resolved to achieve goals stated in different documents, final approval to national women development policy 2008 is essential. It is necessary to facilitate implementation of the Policy. We agree.

In view of what has been said above and spontaneous positive responses from all quarter including grass roots levels local organization, there is no reason for hesitation according final approval. I am hopeful CG would take immediate steps implement the policy at the grassroots levels and make necessary provisions in the budget. International donors may be requested to help local organizations countrywide that will ultimately produce national leaders in bottom up process. In that way democracy will flourish. It is to be kept in mind women of this country have glorious tradition.

(The columnist Muhammad Quamrul Islam is a senior politician and economist)

Away from politics, Arab women sing

Dr Bouthaina Shaaban

On the 60th anniversary of Al Nekbah, it has become clear more than ever before that there are two worlds, two concepts and two prospects for the Middle East, especially as far as the Arab-Israeli conflict is concerned.

The international media was busy highlighting the 60th anniversary of the birth of Israel to a total negligence of the plight and right of the Palestinian people. The Israelis have always taken pride in the so-called Balfour Declaration. At the same time they have done everything that goes against the wording and the spirit of Balfour Declaration itself.

When Balfour promised a national home for the Jews in Palestine, he stressed that "it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine".

Balfour described the non-Jewish communities as 'minorities' despite the fact the Arabs were a majority in their land. Nevertheless, Israel has done everything during these sixty years to undermine the rights, history, and the very identity of these communities, through killing, transfer and systematic erasure of indigenous people and replacing them with white and African settlers who have never been in Palestine.

It has become clear from the story of Palestine that serves as the prism for the story of the Arabs, that the Arabs are being systematically marginalised in the world affairs. What is happening in Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, and Somalia is a clear evidence of that. Moreover, the Arabs are losing their crafts, history and even language, which are being replaced by non-indigenous way of life.

The international media is totally biased against the Arabs and the laws issued in the West after 9/11 have a racist tinge against Arabs and Muslims. The Arabs are watching in disbelief what is happening to them, hoping that somehow their rights will be restored and their future will be theirs. But the problem is that this aggression against the Arabs is no longer limited to the political domain: their culture, language, food and way of life are all under attack. A new strategy in this attack is the infiltration of Arab people, so that some of them will adopt the colonial agenda against their people and fight them if necessary.

That is why Palestinian people, Iraqi people, Sudanese and the Somalis differ on the very definition of the national interests and how to defend these interests. Otherwise how do we explain some Palestinian negotiating with the Israelis but refusing to talk to their own brothers who just like them are faced a cruel Israeli occupation?

Hence, we can realise the arrogance of those targeting the Arab identity, as they possess the military means and the political power to terrorise and subjugate the Arabs. Added to this is the fact that international media is run, directly or indirectly, by people who occupy Arab lands

The factors that prolong and enhance this process have also something to do with the Arabs' failure to understand, strategise and design the correct mechanism to face this new evolving and difficult reality. The Arabs meet, talk and issue statements, but they do not put to use the mechanisms or the money needed for implementation.

Our enemies know this very well and exploit it. As the Arab media has also become mostly receptive to international media, there is hardly any credible source that presents the genuine and independent Arab perspective.

The best way out of this vicious circle is for the Arabs to change focus and highlight their points of strength from civilisation to history, language, crafts and values for which they are renowned. There are so many conferences, festivals, panels and seminars held at an Arab level almost every day, but they are not highlighted and celebrated in the media, although they will be so heartening and encouraging to young generations if they were.

To give only one example, Damascus as the capital of Arab culture embraced a number of Arab women singers from Morocco to Iraq who sang every evening in Al Azem Palace, Damascus. It was interesting to see the thousands of people in the audience responding so warmly and heartily to every singer because the tunes, the culture, the history and the language, of course, are the same.

In art, culture, literature and language, the Arab identity is deeply rooted and it is a source of pride to all of us. It is this identity that should be the focal point of all our efforts seeking to restore the balance in our favour.

The political domain is no longer the only one that should be the focus of our attention but the cultural, literary, legal, economic and artistic all should be taken very seriously. Once we do that we will be elevating the points of Arab strength that will serve Arabs' political stance and status. Once we do that, Israel would not dare to suggest erasing the word 'Nakbah' from the lexicon of the UN because this word embodies rights usurped, lands confiscated, towns and villages colonised and indigenous people killed or made homeless so it cannot be crossed without setting all these issues. The road to settlement, however, is not only political but it is cultural, economic, legal, historical and artistic.

(Dr Bouthaina Shaaban is Syria's Minister for Expatriate Affairs and foreign policy spokesperson for the Syrian government)

Do women really figure in the budget?

Anuradha Bhasin

The woman-related announcement that made any news in the Union budget for 2008-09 was the increase in the exemption limit in income taxes. The exemption limit for women was raised to Rs 180,000 (US$1=Rs 39.3) a year, and to Rs.150,000 for men.

Other than this, the budget also increased the total allocation for the Ministry of Women and Child Development by 24 per cent over the last year to Rs 7,200 crore (Rs 72,000 million). Within this, the largest amounts of funding have been allotted to empowering and building capacity of self-help groups (Rs 200 crore or Rs 2,000 million); helping victims of rape and destitution (Rs 40 crore or Rs 400 million); strengthening women's traditional skills (Rs 37 crore or Rs 370 million); promoting micro-credit among poor women (Rs 31 crore or Rs 310 million); and setting up hostels for working women (Rs 20 crore). Additionally, a sum of Rs 23 crore (Rs 230 million) has been allotted for initiatives to increase women's empowerment and livelihoods programmes in conjunction with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to be introduced in four districts in Uttar Pradesh and two in Bihar.

There is also funding for programmes related to women run by other departments and ministries. Reminding us that "policy makers often tend to forget that one-half of the population is constituted by women and they are entitled to an equal share - and an equal say - in all programmes and schemes", the Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, allocated a total of Rs 11,460 crore (Rs 114,600 million) for schemes that are fully women-centric; and Rs 16,202 crore (RS 162,020 million) for those which are at least 30 per cent women-specific.

So, on the face of it, the budget has a lot in it for women. But even a quick glance at some of the indicators relating to women in India show how very inadequate this kind of gradualist approach is. Despite high and sustained growth in the economy for several years, outcomes relating to poor women continue to be abysmal, and have even declined in recent years, showing that we have miles to go before we even catch up with some of our economically deprived neighbors. More than half of the women in India give birth without the help of a skilled birth attendant compared to three per cent of the women in Sri Lanka or China (Approach to the Eleventh Plan). Not surprisingly our maternal mortality rate (deaths per 100,000 deliveries) is as high as 540, against 92 in Sri Lanka and 41 in Malaysia (WHO). Anemia among women has increased over the past seven years, even among pregnant women, so today that 55 per cent of the women in the country are suffering from this grave nutritional deficiency (NFHS-3). India also continues to rank embarrassingly low in the Gender Development Index - it is at 113, out of 157 countries, something that is unacceptable in a country aspiring to be one of the global economic giants.

To this extent, the gradual inching up of budgetary provisions aimed at women is not enough. Even within the Ministry of Woman and Child, the bulk of the funds allotted actually go to child-related initiatives - of this year's Rs 7,200 crore, women's programmes get a measly Rs 427 crore (Rs 4,270 million). While the welfare of both sections of the population is interrelated, this just goes to show how far we still are from the 30 per cent budgetary allotment for women promised in the Women's Component Plan as far back as 1997.

Also, if we are to really help women, funds allotted for them should target poor and deprived women. Publicly funded initiatives need to focus on women from the lower social and economic strata, as they face multiple discrimination on the basis of caste and class, whether they live in the rural or urban areas. Literacy rates among 'adivasi' (tribal) and 'dalit' (outcaste) women is far lower than the overall female literacy rate, and there is significant deprivation among Muslim women.

Unfortunately, this is a limitation of the gender budgeting exercise as it is currently formulated - it reports on women as a homogenous group, and does not sift out how much of the funds reach really needy women and how much goes to those who are 'more equal than others'. But there is evidence to show that less than 10 per cent of the total gender budgeting pool goes to women who are most marginalized and discriminated against, and even this share is declining.

What is needed is a very large budgetary thrust aimed at poor and marginalized women. This push can best be given by specifying a minimum share of resources from the relevant ministries to be dedicated for the development of poor women, and then transferring any shortfall in the use of this share to a non- lapsable pool of resources.

Such a process was introduced a few years ago for the Northeast, for just such a reason - to tackle its enormous social and physical infrastructure backlog and enable its residents to catch up with the rest of the country. And it is beginning to show steady results.

When we talk of the poor and marginalized women, we refer to a far larger share of the population suffering gross inequities, with no hope of catching up without a quantum boost. Unfortunately, raising income tax exemption limits and tinkering with budgetary allocations is just not enough.