Today, December 9th, is a special day in Bangladesh: it’s Begum Rokeya Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, one of the most important figures in the history of women’s rights in Bangladesh. She was born on this day in 1880, and she passed away on December 9th, 1932, at the age of just 52.
Begum Rokeya’s work in education and women’s rights was groundbreaking, especially in the early 1900s when women’s voices were rarely heard. On Begum Rokeya Day, people remember her fight for equality, her work in promoting women’s education, and her belief in women’s independence.
Let’s take a closer look at why Begum Rokeya Day is so important, what’s happening today to celebrate her legacy, and why her work still matters today.
Why Do We Celebrate Begum Rokeya Day?
Begum Rokeya Day is a time to reflect on the life of a woman who changed the course of history. Born in Rangpur, Bangladesh, she grew up at a time when many girls did not have access to education. However, Begum Rokeya was determined to fight for the rights of women. She believed that women should have the same opportunities as men, especially when it came to education.
She worked hard to improve the lives of women, especially those from poor or rural backgrounds. She is most famous for opening the Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School in Kolkata in 1911, where girls could learn and get an education just like boys. This was a revolutionary act at the time and helped break many barriers for women’s education.
Today, Begum Rokeya Day is celebrated to honor her efforts and to continue the work she started. It’s a day to remember that women’s rights are still important, and we should continue working towards equality.
What’s Happening on Begum Rokeya Day in 2024?
This year, on December 9th, 2024, there are several special events to mark Begum Rokeya Day:
- Begum Rokeya Award-2024
The Begum Rokeya Award is given each year to women who have made a difference in society. These women might work in education, social services, literature, or even politics. The award honors their efforts to improve the lives of others, just like Begum Rokeya did. This year, President Md. Shahabuddin and Professor Muhammad Yunus sent messages congratulating the winners. The award helps inspire others to work for equality and social change. - Cultural Program in Dhaka
At Dhaka University, a special cultural program is taking place at Swataprajit Swadhinata Chattar at 3 PM. This event will include music, dance, and performances that celebrate Begum Rokeya‘s ideas of gender equality. The cultural program is a way to remind people of the importance of continuing her work for women’s rights. - Discussion at Bangla Academy in Rangpur
In Rangpur, Bangla Academy is hosting a discussion to talk about Begum Rokeya’s life and legacy. This discussion will highlight her books, like Motichur and Sultanar Swapna, which helped change how people thought about women’s roles in society.
Who Was Begum Rokeya?
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was not just a writer, she was a social reformer who worked tirelessly to improve the status of women. At a time when most women in Bengal (and other parts of South Asia) were expected to stay at home, Begum Rokeya believed that education was the key to changing the lives of women. She knew that if women were educated, they could be more independent and have better opportunities in life.
Through her efforts, she managed to challenge the traditional norms of society. She showed that women could become leaders, thinkers, and change-makers just like men. She also advocated for women’s political rights, including the right to vote and participate in public life.
Some of Begum Rokeya’s most famous works include:
- Sultanar Swapna (The Dream of Sultana): A story in which women are free and equal to men, living in a world of justice and fairness.
- Motichur: A collection of essays about social issues, including women’s education and the importance of breaking free from traditional gender roles.
- Padmarag: A novel where she talks about the struggles women face in society and how they can overcome them.
- Abrodhabasini: A powerful story about the independence of women.
These works have inspired generations of women to dream bigger, work harder, and stand up for their rights.
Why Is Begum Rokeya’s Work Still Important Today?
Even though Begum Rokeya passed away in 1932, her work is still very relevant today. Women all over the world continue to face many challenges, including limited access to education, lower wages, and lack of opportunities in leadership roles. Begum Rokeya fought for a world where women and men would have equal chances in life, and we still need to work towards that vision.
On Begum Rokeya Day, we remind ourselves that her fight is not over. While there have been many improvements in women’s rights in Bangladesh and around the world, there is still much more to be done. Women are still underrepresented in many fields, and gender-based violence is still a major problem in many parts of the world.
That’s why it’s important to continue to work for a world where everyone—regardless of gender—has equal rights and opportunities. Just like Begum Rokeya did, we must continue to push for change, especially in areas like education and economic independence.
Honoring Begum Rokeya’s Legacy | Begum Rokeya Day
Begum Rokeya Day is more than just a day to remember the past; it is a reminder that we all have a part to play in making the world a better place for women and girls. By celebrating Begum Rokeya’s life and achievements, we can inspire future generations to continue her work. Today Begum Rokeya Day.
Today, as we honor her legacy, let’s also commit to doing our part to support gender equality. Whether it’s advocating for women’s education, standing up against discrimination, or helping women in our own communities, we can all make a difference.
So, as we remember Begum Rokeya today, let’s think about how we can help build a world where all women have the freedom and opportunity to live their dreams, just as she did.
