Nation Observes Rokeya Day Today, Honouring a Pioneer of Women’s Rights and Enlightenment

The nation is observing Rokeya Day today, Tuesday, 9 December, in honour of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain—widely regarded as the forerunner of women’s empowerment, education, and social awakening in Bengal. This year marks the 145th anniversary of her birth and the 93rd anniversary of her death, both of which occurred on the same date.

Born on 9 December 1880 in the village of Pairabondh in Rangpur, Begum Rokeya emerged as one of the most influential reformers of her era. She dedicated her life to challenging entrenched social norms, advocating women’s access to education, and demanding equal rights for all. After a lifetime of activism, literary contributions, and institutional reform, she passed away on 9 December 1932 in Kolkata. Her birthday and death anniversary are commemorated every year as Rokeya Day, celebrating her legacy and the transformative impact she had on women’s lives across the subcontinent.

On the occasion of Rokeya Day, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message paying profound respect to this iconic reformer. He said that Begum Rokeya had led women “from darkness into light” through her relentless struggle for human rights, social reform, and female liberation. Her writings, activism, and vision played a pivotal role in illuminating the path towards equality in a society where women were long deprived of basic rights and opportunities.

Begum Rokeya was not only a writer but a philosopher of gender equality. Her literature forcefully articulated the demand for women’s equal rights and the right to education. Her satirical and visionary works—such as Sultana’s Dream—challenged patriarchal norms and offered imaginative alternatives to male-dominated society. With an unwavering belief in women’s potential, she stood firmly against discrimination and laid the intellectual groundwork for modern feminist thought in Bengal.

Her famous words—“We are one half of society. If we remain fallen, how will society rise?”—remain a powerful reminder of her mission to build a just and equal society. Throughout her life, she tirelessly championed the cause of women, urging both men and women to recognise the value of equality and human dignity.

In honour of Rokeya Day, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs has organised the annual Rokeya Padak ceremony and a cultural programme at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. The ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday morning, will recognise notable women who have made exceptional contributions to society in various fields. This year, the Rokeya Padak 2025 will be awarded to four distinguished women: Ruvana Rakib for her contributions to women’s education and research; Kalpana Akter for her work in labour rights; Nabila Idris for her advocacy in human rights; and Rituparna Chakma for her achievements in sports and women’s empowerment.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, will attend the ceremony as the chief guest, while Sharmin S. Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, will preside over the event. Government and non-government organisations across the country will also hold discussions, cultural programmes, and awareness activities in honour of Begum Rokeya’s visionary legacy.

Rokeya Day serves not only as a tribute to a remarkable woman but also as a renewed call to uphold the values she fought for—equality, dignity, education, and justice for all women. Her ideals continue to inspire new generations to challenge oppression and strive for a fairer society.