Opinion | Who fears feminism in Bangladesh?
Summary
Feminist activism in Bangladesh faces accusations of being 'Westernised' due to a colonial-era binary that frames indigenous culture as pure and under threat, while dismissing feminist challenges as foreign interference. This essay explores the colonial and anti-colonial legacies shaping gender and cultural norms.
Key Points
- Feminist activism in Bangladesh is often dismissed as 'Westernised' due to a colonial binary separating indigenous and Western cultures.
- Colonial powers used patriarchal logic to justify dominance, portraying colonised peoples as immature and in need of guidance.
- Anti-colonial nationalism framed liberation in masculine terms, marginalizing women's roles and reinforcing patriarchal structures.
- Women were symbolized as bearers of national cultural honour, regulating their roles to protect 'indigenous' identity against perceived Western threats.
