Lifelong learning opportunities for professional women in Bangladesh: to what extent does patriarchy act as a barrier?

Abstract

In the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Austen (1813) wanted to show the marginal or subaltern standing of a woman in the 18th century England by saying that a woman was always subservient to a man, and the sole identity of a woman was being a wife to a male at that time. In present-day Bangladesh, a similar view is evident, where women are raised with the notion that their raison d’etre is to have and maintain stable relationships with men for a lifetime, despite the changing workplace dynamics that offer opportunities for progress. Bangladeshi women quietly embrace the philosophy of lifelong learning, yet their dedication to this pursuit remains largely unexplored and unrecorded, with only occasional publications touching upon the subject in an organized manner. The study examines how patriarchy restricts women's access to lifelong learning in Bangladesh, presenting a scoping review of literature to identify gaps and potential solutions. By advocating a radical approach, the paper aims to empower Bangladeshi professional women to overcome barriers and challenge patriarchal norms for their educational and career advancement.