Women constitute half of the entire population of Bangladesh. From that point of view, the empowerment of women is an important issue for our national development as a nation cannot develop without empowering half of its population. Women's contribution is indispensable for socio-economic development. So, first of all, the participation of women in development work needs to be ensured.

On the global front, the empowerment of women is still an ongoing process. In 1975, World Women's day was declared, and the 10 years between 1975-1985 were observed as a woman's decade. Women's development, the establishment of their rights in the family of society, and the workplace were the objectives of women's decade. First World Women Conference was held in 1975. The UN is still working for the development and empowerment of women in different countries of the world.

The wave of women empowerment reached Bangladesh very soon. In 1978 Women Affairs Ministry was formed. Earlier Women's rehabilitation board was also formed to deal with gender discrimination and indifference to women's fundamental rights.

Empowerment of women can be insured by establishing female rights, and state recognition of women by increasing their self-reliance and positioning them in decision making-level. But to do that emphasis has to be given to female education. Education is necessary for making women. Traditionally, women of our country spend their entire life within the confinements of their homes, doing household chores. But this situation has begun to change. At present, a number of women are employed in the demonstration sector, marketing sector, and in clerical posts. Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force recruit women in commissioned ranks.

Different NGOs are playing a vital role in empowering the women of Bangladesh. They encourage women to take part in their official activities. Grameen Bank provides loan facilities, especially for poor women in rural areas.

Tradition and superstition are the main obstacles to empowering women in Bangladesh. There is a superstitious belief that women are to perform household activities only. There is no lack of policy for women empowerment both in government and non-government, but the implementation of policies is still a far cry.