Assessing Gender Discrimination and Inequality in Local Government in Bangladesh

Gender discrimination and inequality refer to disparities between men and women in terms of equal access to society, politics, administration, resources, participation and inclusion in the public sphere, and empowerment and representation in governance. In Bangladesh, women have been suffering from various kinds of discrimination and inequalities in political participation. This study explores how gender discrimination and inequalities are still a prime issue in women’s active political participation in Bangladesh’s local government institutions (LGIs). The research uses both primary and secondary sources of information to attain its objectives. The study reveals that women representatives in LGIs face several inequalities and discrimination, such as institutional, political, and societal problems. Women’s views have been unheard of in local governance due to their underrepresentation and nonparticipation in institutional decision-making systems. In addition, women are prohibited by their families and society from engaging in a variety of activities within LGIs. The research also reveals that during the COVID-19 period, women faced significant discrimination; they were unable to play an active role as public representatives because of societal and cultural obligations, and their family members would not allow them to work.