{{Begum Rokeya Day}} – December 9 to be celebrated globally from 2021: A day to honor the achievements of feminist writer Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain

As the world celebrates Women Empowerment on March 8, every year since 1910, with hashtags like #ChooseToChallenge, #EachForEqual and #WomenEmpowerment, the struggles and achievements of South Asian women often remain underrepresented. However, starting from 2021, December 9 is declared as Begum Rokeya Day, to honor the feminist icon and her contributions to the empowerment of women in South Asia and beyond. Begum Rokeya is known as the pioneer of feminist thought and activism in Bangladesh and her legacy is celebrated on her birth anniversary.n Begum Rokeya, also known as Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, was born on December 9, 1880, in the small village of Pairaband, located in the then undivided India, now Bangladesh. Her family was highly educated and progressive, which enabled her to receive education at home, unlike other girls of her time. She was also one of the first Muslim women in Bengal to graduate from Calcutta University. These experiences inspired and shaped her feminist ideologies and writings, which were far ahead of her time.n Begum Rokeya’s writings highlighted the issues of women’s education, social inequality and lack of women’s rights in the patriarchal society. Her most famous work, ‘Sultana’s Dream’, written in 1905, depicted a utopian world where women are free from social and gender constraints. She also founded the first girls’ school in Dhaka, which aimed to educate and empower young girls. Begum Rokeya was also actively involved in the Indian women’s movement and was one of the key figures in the founding of the All India Women’s Conference in 1927. Her contributions paved the way for the women’s empowerment movement in the region and her legacy continues to inspire and empower women globally.n The decision to celebrate Begum Rokeya Day globally, starting from 2021, was taken by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, with the support of other South Asian countries and women’s organizations. This day will be observed with seminars, workshops, and cultural programs to create awareness about Begum Rokeya’s teachings and her role in the feminist movement. The hashtag #BegumRokeyaDay has already started trending on social media as people express their support and appreciation for the feminist icon’s contributions.n As we celebrate the first Begum Rokeya Day, let us all remember and honor the fearless feminist who dared to challenge social norms and pave the way for women’s empowerment in South Asia and beyond. Her teachings continue to inspire and guide women to stand up for their rights and break free from the chains of gender inequality. Let us all take a moment to reflect on how far we have come and how much more we still need to achieve, towards a truly equal and inclusive world.

Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, also known as Rokeya Hossain, was born on December 9, 1880, in the small village of Pairaband, located in the then undivided India, now Bangladesh.

Her family was highly educated and progressive, which enabled her to receive education at home, unlike other girls of her time.

Begum Rokeya was one of the first Muslim women in Bengal to graduate from Calcutta University.

Her writings highlighted the issues of women’s education, social inequality and lack of women’s rights in the patriarchal society.

Her most famous work, ‘Sultana’s Dream’, written in 1905, depicted a utopian world where women are free from social and gender constraints.

Begum Rokeya founded the first girls’ school in Dhaka, which aimed to educate and empower young girls.

She was one of the key figures in the founding of the All India Women’s Conference in 1927.

Begum Rokeya’s contributions paved the way for the women’s empowerment movement in the region and her legacy continues to inspire and empower women globally.

The decision to celebrate Begum Rokeya Day globally, starting from 2021, was taken by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, with the support of other South Asian countries and women’s organizations.

This day will be observed with seminars, workshops, and cultural programs to create awareness about Begum Rokeya’s teachings and her role in the feminist movement.

The hashtag #BegumRokeyaDay has already started trending on social media as people express their support and appreciation for the feminist icon’s contributions.

As we celebrate the first Begum Rokeya Day, let us all remember and honor the fearless feminist who dared to challenge social norms and pave the way for women’s empowerment in South Asia and beyond.

Her teachings continue to inspire and guide women to stand up for their rights and break free from the chains of gender inequality.

Let us all take a moment to reflect on how far we have come and how much more we still need to achieve, towards a truly equal and inclusive world.

#BegumRokeyaDay #FeministIcon #WomenEmpowerment #EachForEqual