Dreams of a society without discrimination for women ‘Jago nari jago bahni sikha! Jago janani, bhagini, badhu! Jago kannya, kumari, bidhu! Jago priẏa, jago janani-sneha!’
‘Jago nari jago bahni sikha! Jago janani, bhagini, badhu! Jago kannya, kumari, bidhu! Jago priẏa, jago janani-sneha!’- Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam has asked women to be inspired in Bengali in the language of poetry.
‘JAGO NARI’- A powerful slogan made up of two words. It is a powerful message for women from backward societies. It is an oath. It awakens women’s dreams, makes them energetic, inspires them to be committed, and encourages them to build a beautiful and equal society. It is a Bengali expression that calls on women to wake up, become aware of their rights, and take an active role in society. This word stands against discriminatory behavior towards women and calls for breaking down all barriers. This word awakens the motivation for women’s empowerment or women’s advancement, and highlights women’s rights in a patriarchal society. This word, which is closely related to women’s rights, also makes men aware of the implementation of women’s rights.
Advancing a backward society
In light of those thoughts, from today, August 2, 1998, the slogan ’JAGO NARI’ was very relevant for the coastal district of Barguna in the south of Bangladesh. Most women were imprisoned within four walls, women had very few opportunities to work outside, most men were not allowed to go out and work. Child marriage and polygamy were prevalent in villages. The dream of a society based on equality between women and men was far away. Awareness-raising activities were few in the Barguna region to build an equal society. Women’s empowerment or self-reliance initiatives were also very limited. In that context, an organization was born in Barguna in 1998, which could reflect on the overall development of backward women - named ’JAGO NARI’. Based on this name, an organizational foundation was established and in August of that year, ’JAGO NARI’ started working with marginalized women after registering with the Department of Women’s Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. However, the full official name of the organization is ‘Barguna Nari Jagran Karmachuchi’.
From birth to now, the tree named ’JAGO NARI’ has passed through childhood and adolescence and has now entered full adulthood. In the words of poet Sukanta Bhattacharya’s poem ‘Eighteen Years of Age’, ’JAGO NARI’ has long passed the age of accumulating strength and awakening. It has come a long way step by step. Based on its work, ’JAGO NARI’ has become known in the local, national and international circles. ’JAGO NARI’ works as a local partner of international development partners. Sometimes it serves as a lead partner. Its activities have spread beyond the boundaries of Barguna district to other districts of the country. In terms of activities, ’JAGO NARI’ has kept in mind the context of birth and time. Efforts are ongoing to bring women imprisoned within the four walls to the light. Various initiatives have been taken to prevent child marriage and polygamy. Their positive results are now visible.
Published on: Saturday, 26 July 2025, 01:57 am ▪ Last update: Saturday, 26 July 2025, 02:51 am ▪ Total View of this Page: 32
