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Promoting Male Responsibility for Gender Equality

Summary Report of Research from Bangladesh, India and Vietnam

New Publication

Men and women in Bangladesh condemn violence against women in general, but believe that it is acceptable as a disciplinary measure in many specific cases. Bangladeshi

women feel undervalued, and themselves fail to value the work they perform, despite long hours carrying out essential housework and childcare. Men and women believe that men should be involved in childcare, but it is unclear what form that involvement takes. While both men and women dream of more harmonious relationships with their spouses, with disputes being resolved through communication rather than fists, few people can imagine how such a relationship could exist in marriage.

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When do people feel that it is acceptable for men to beat their wives? Do people value the work women do? What do people expect from marital relationships? To answer these questions, and work to reduce domestic violence, ten NGO's from eight districts of Bangladesh conducted research on these topics. The research was coordinated by WBB Trust and funded by CIDA. A report based on the research was published in January 2006.

Findings indicate that while most people consider violence against women unacceptable in the abstract, they consider it reasonable under many conditions.  However, some men consider those who would beat their wives as "inhuman", showing that positive thinking also exists.  Women's work is almost universally undervalued, though some women express the feeling that the family would not survive without their labor.  As for husband-wife relationships, while people wish that spouses could be friends, many have trouble imagining how this is possible.

WBB is also undertaking research on the economic contribution of women through their unpaid work.  Preliminary results indicate that women work 16-17 hours a day, have virtually no free time, and make an enormous contribution to families, society, and the nation through their unpaid work.  Understanding and valuing women's work will help policymakers and others appreciate the importance of women's work and the need to ensure better conditions for women, to the benefit of all.

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