FREEDOM of movement, mobility rights or the right to travel is a human rights concept which is respected in the constitutions of numerous states. It asserts that a citizen of a state, in which that citizen is present, generally has the right to leave that state, travel wherever the citizen is welcome, and, with proper documentation, return to that state at any time; and also (of equal or greater importance) to travel to, reside in, and/or work in, any part of the state the citizen wishes without interference from the state.
From Wikipedia
Did you know that female students of Dhaka who live in dormitories have to return to their dorm by 9:30 in the evening? The situation is even worse outside Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
There is no such restriction for boys. They can drink and dance all night long and “go home” to their dorm whenever they need.
Of course boys don’t drink and dance all night. Especially in a hot country like Bangladesh! They study, attend to their part-time jobs or do something equally important, if not more.
Why is it assumed that girls haven’t got much to do with their life? So they don’t need to stay out as long as boys? Most girls who stay out late don’t spend their time drinking and dancing either! They study, attend to their part-time jobs, or do something equally important, if not more.
It’s especially hard for girls who have to travel a long distance to their dorm. Many girls have to let go of attractive part-time jobs because of the restriction. Girls who are active in the cultural field have to face the consequence regularly. Most rehearsals and shows are evening affairs. The girls who attend these either leave the rehearsals early or when it’s not possible (like, when it’s a show they are in, instead of a rehearsal), they stay over at a friend’s place for the night.
If university boys are big enough to take care of themselves, so are girls. So here is my plea to the authority…..
“Please don’t reduce a girl’s freedom of movement. It is one of her basic rights as a human.”
Dear readers, if you have any opinion regarding this, please let your voice be heard.
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that is so sexist! recently in my country a minister suggested a rule to make compulsory for single female travellers to get permission (or is it inform? i’m not totally sure) their family members before travelling. whether is it getting permission or informing, i don’t think that’s something that should be forced upon us for our sex. the reasoning behind this ludicrous idea is that women are sometimes scammed into prostitution and such when going overseas for work. hogwash! i can see the well-meaning intention, but it is so patronising and unfair.
Hope you don’t mind me linking to you!
Netty…I am not writing this to malign your country, we are emotionally entangled with your country for more than one reasons, this applies to a large part of my country too: the rights of women is severely compromised in many ways in the cities. I know stories Netty and they are frightening…this entirely arises out of a culture of lumpen male-chauvinism associated with neither religion nor culture.
So, even the conditions outside before or after 9:30 might not be favorable for women. I don’t therefore justify those restrictions. What I mean is that the society must be made more favorable for the growth of Bengali women in our parts of the subcontinent.
@sulz,
gosh, in malaysia too? i feel strangely relieved, cos i don’t feel alone anymore! women are scammed, so how about restricting those who scam women? why do women have to face the penalty? as if it does us intelligent women any good!
@liesl,
of course i don’t mind! i am happy, friend!
@life,
yep, the situation is never favourable for women – be it before 9:30 or later. i agree that the situation has got to change in favour of women. folks, do us a favour – stop restricting women and start reforming the society big time.
Incidentally, let me correct\qualify my last sentence: “What I mean is that the society must be made more favorable for the growth of all women in our parts of the subcontinent.”
dear life,
it’s ok, i understand, of course! “bengali women” is somehow more topical for this post, so it doesn’t really matter!
Just that ? My dear Netty…outta there…and I speak from personal experience….there is much much worse…women killed just because of say honore….I wish you success in this tough….but know there is much worse and nobody care…:-(
ano!
i know about worst case scenarios, too! but i feel we mustn’t forget the “less important” issues either. it’s all part of society. so we can’t change just one part, the whole thing has to be improved.
my goal was to present a story that doesn’t get much coverage, but nevertheless has a “human right aspect” in it. “little things” do matter!
Oh I didn’t mean that ”little thing” like you put it dont matter….really…I just…Im a septical person…that’s all…:) Ok me rambling…
hey ano,
don’t worry, i understand perfectly!
no hard feelings, ok? i know you long enough to understand you. i was just putting across my point, that’s all!