Implementation Challenges of the National Women Development Policy 2011 in Bangladesh ”

Abstract

The Women Development Policy of Bangladesh, introduced in 2011, represents a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. Grounded in recognition of women's integral role in societal progress and development, this policy sought to address a wide array of issues affecting women in Bangladesh. Although there have been sporadic and discrete initiatives on various development strategies involving women's development, none has speculated in the backdrop of NWDP 2011. With its specific objective of identifying the implementation challenges of NWDP 2011 in Bangladesh, this paper has shed light on the issue from primary sources. This study used a qualitative research method to meet research objectives effectively. Primary data was collected from Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions because it was imperative to understand the viewpoints of those who worked with women before and the opinions of women of different levels of society. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select participants with diverse perspectives and experiences related to the policy. As a result, 15 male and women's rights experts and advocates were selected for KIIs, and eight women were chosen for FGD. On the other hand, secondary data was collected by analyzing the papercutting of newspapers, relevant books and documents, papers of the policymaking, researching the judgments from the High Court and the laws, and presenting arguments about the WDP 2011 and current status of women in the society. 15 Implementation Challenges of the National Women Development Policy 2011 in Bangladesh This paper explored the challenges of the NWDP 2011 regarding Muslim religious laws, the progress made on women's development initiatives, and the significant instrumental and institutional obstacles hindering implementation. The analysis revealed both areas of potential alignment and contradictions between the NWDP and religious laws. While both emphasize women's well-being, interpretations of religious texts can sometimes limit women's opportunities. The status and progress of women's development initiatives under the NWDP showed positive advancements, particularly in education and health. However, significant challenges remain, including limited awareness, resource constraints, and the need for context-sensitive implementation strategies. Most importantly, proper monitoring and reporting are absent on the status of objectives and goals set by the NWDP 2011, which alone accounts for the biggest challenge in its implementation. The research confirmed the presence of substantial instrumental and institutional obstacles. Economic disparities ingrained social norms, and structural limitations within the government and social service sectors create hurdles to effective policy implementation. Implementing a uniform family code is urgent to ensure women’s inheritance and provide legal aid if they are offended. Moving forward, addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Raising awareness at the grassroots level, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring resource allocation are all crucial. Additionally, considering local contexts and potential religious interpretations, a more nuanced approach can bridge the gap between policy and practice. By acknowledging these complexities and working 16 Implementation Challenges of the National Women Development Policy 2011 in Bangladesh towards solutions, Bangladesh can ensure that the NWDP empowers women and contributes to a more equitable future for all.