Nijera Kori

It was indeed mind-opening to listen a charismatic Bangladeshi woman, Khushi Kabir, who is a strong advocate for women's rights in Bangladesh and an important voice for feminist movements around the world, to give a speech about the situation of human rights in her country. Bangladesh is currently facing political turmoil, both with the coming elections and islamist fundamentalism on the rise. Kushi Kabir is the coordinator of the civil society organization Nijera Kori that has worked with women and marginalised people since 1974. Nijera Kori is bengali and means "we do it ourselves".

According to Mrs Kabir, laws are for people and values are presented in law. Every citizen should have the same rights and ability to use their voice regardless of their gender, age, religion, ethnicity or any other personal character. Government should protect the capabilities of citizens to ensure their rights and position, and support their opportunities to be involved in decision-making.

Currently Bangladesh is very patriarchal in many ways determining the position of women being under custody of the male. The salaries of women are also less, companies try to maximize the profit by limiting workers’ rights.  Change is needed in the mind-set of both women and men in order for women to acquire better implementation of their rights. Capabilities happen only when collective capabilities exist. Women are ready for change when they feel supported and safe without being victimized. Community has to provide supportive environment for change.

The opposite of patriarchal is not matriarchal, but equality. Transparency and accountability is required in order for duty bearers to do the work that their position requires and improve equality in the country. Loyalty and commitment is urgently needed in women’s policies and programs. Women have to have access to positions, where decisions are taken and they must be given liberty of taking forward issues of equality.