We do it Ourselves: Nijera Kori and the Struggle for Economic and Gender Justice in Bangladesh

Abstract

Deep-rooted patriarchal systems uphold gender and class-based inequalities in Bangladesh, within which the issue of land distribution and use remains integral to the transformation of poverty for a large number of women and men. Nijera Kori is a national social movement organising landless people to claim their rights and challenge the discrimination that constrains their agency and development. Through qualitative research, backed up by an extensive secondary literature, this study explores how and why men and women are working together for the gender equality objectives of this movement, and how these relate to wider economic justice goals. Across two sites in Northern Bangladesh the qualitative research engaged men and women from landless groups, Nijera Kori staff, and stakeholder groups.

The data indicates that by working to raise the consciousness of, and bridge relationships between men and women, Nijera Kori’s approach reflects differential entry points for analysing gendered power and the importance of synchronising work between men and women for gender equality. Furthermore, a commitment to democratic practice in the movement helps realise shared commitments to gender equity. This approach has enabled men and women to address women’s rights issues, tackle corruption in public service provision and claim land rights. Domains for change reach family and community, breaking down barriers to women’s participation in public life. At the household level the redistribution of caring roles among men and women has emerged and the community collective agreements on dowry and early marriage suggests a degree of normative change. This report makes recommendations that men and women’s shared claims for interpersonal and political accountability through collective action are critical in enabling gender equitable pathways for economic justice.