Bangladeshi Girls beyond the border; things that are tending them

                   

                            Bangladeshi Girls beyond the border; things that are tending them 

                                                                  

                                                                   Tasnim Sarwar Tasfia

Now-a-days there is a meme going viral on Facebook that- ‘The greatest Bangladeshi dream is to leave Bangladesh’. Both males and females are sharing this meme. Once there was a time when females could not even imagine going outside their own village or hometown for studies or for doing a job. Now they are crossing the border to qualify them more and to establish them. They are making their dreams come true. From my perspective, there are some unavoidable reasons that make students tend to go abroad. I am also a regular student and continuing my bachelor's here in Bangladesh. I also have the intention to go beyond the boundary of this country. The number of students, specifically the female students like me, having intention to go abroad and making the decision to settle down there is increasing highly nowadays. It is not that they hate this country, it is because of making life smooth and securing the future, having a better life abroad. Let me explain a few reasons why Bangladeshi female students tend to leave this country. In my opinion, female students here in Bangladesh face many discomforts like- social restriction, harassment and safety issues, unequal opportunities, lack of  facilities and empowerment.

1. Social Restrictions: Traditional gender roles and social norms in Bangladesh lead to discomfort for female students. These norms may restrict their freedom of movement, choice of clothing, and participation in certain activities.

2. Harassment and Safety issues: Many female students experience harassment, both in public spaces and online. The fear of harassment can limit their mobility and sense of safety, affecting their overall well-being.

3. Unequal Opportunities: Even within educational institutions, female students face unequal opportunities in terms of scholarships, research opportunities, leadership roles and participation in extracurricular activities.

4. Lack of facilities and empowerment: Female students have limited access to counseling services, mental health support and resources specifically addressing their needs. A lack of empowerment and self-confidence stemming from societal messages hinder female students' ability to assert themselves, voice their opinions and take on leadership roles.

These are some of the reasons that I am also a victim of all of these. Even these are daily issues occurring with females in Bangladesh. I would love to share a screenshot of a conversation between me and my mother a few days back when I was travelling by a bus and I faced harassment from a man.

Conversation between my mother and me while I was travelling alone

I was so  frightened traveling alone that day; even I decided to get down from the bus. I was so disturbed the whole way. These things are almost regular with females in Bangladesh. So, it is not a surprising matter that female students want to go abroad and settle down themselves. 

Bangladeshi female students studying abroad have been increasingly pursuing higher education in various countries over the past years. Many of them choose to study in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia, among others. They choose these countries because of many reasons like- empowerment and gender equality, better opportunities, government initiatives, personal development etc.

1. Empowerment & gender equality:  Pursuing education abroad empowers Bangladeshi women, providing them with exposure to different perspectives, opportunities for leadership roles, and access to resources that promote gender equality. Many of these students become advocates for women's rights and contribute to positive change in their home country upon returning. Female students may seek to escape gender-based restrictions or societal norms that limit their opportunities in Bangladesh. Studying abroad can provide a more supportive and empowering environment to pursue their educational and professional goals.

2. Better opportunities: Many students believe that universities abroad offer high-quality education and cutting-edge research opportunities that may not be available in Bangladesh. Pursuing a degree from a renowned international institution can enhance their career prospects.

3. Government initiatives: The Bangladeshi government and various organizations offer scholarships and support for female students to study abroad, aiming to increase gender parity in education and promote human capital development.

4. Personal development: Living independently in a foreign country can lead to personal growth, independence, and self-discovery. It can also help students develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

Bangladeshi females choose to go abroad not only for study purpose but also for job purpose. Many women from underprivileged family tends to go to the Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait etc. to get a job and earn money. Also, many girls go abroad through marrying F1 (student visa) holder by F2 visa which is called spouse visa. According to my cousin who is living currently in the USA, she said it is safe to study and live here for female students. She encourages more female students to go there and make life better. She suggests the female students who intends to go abroad for studying and job to keep themselves away from bad habits and bad people and just focusing the mind on their goal.

Girls who go abroad to pursue education or other opportunities may encounter a range of challenges as they navigate a new environment, culture, and educational system. While these challenges can vary widely based on individual circumstances and the host country, some common challenges that girls might face after going abroad include- cultural adjustment, language barrier, financial management, academic pressure, racism, coping with expectations, legal and immigration issues, time management and self care etc. Obviously staying away from family in another country is not very easy. They have to struggle and try heart and soul to get a better life with facilities.

In brief, it's important to note that while studying and staying abroad offers numerous opportunities, it also comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments. Each student's decision to study abroad is unique and may be influenced by a combination of factors, including academic interests, career goals, personal circumstances, and cultural considerations. The industrious nature of every individual will talk while it is the matter of outcome.