EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF BEGUM ROKEYA'S FEMINIST IDEAS: A HOLISTIC ANALYSIS OF WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, NATIONALISM, AND COLONIALISM IN BENGAL

Abstract :
The term "Begum" refers to a title used in South Asia to address a Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a prominent feminist figure in the Indian subcontinent, first advocated for women's empowerment within the region. She also conducted an analysis of the factors contributing to the subjugation of women, highlighting the restrictive role imposed by patriarchal norms that confined women to domestic service and caregiving duties. Building upon the concept of justice and fairness, Rokeya used radical, liberal, and Marxist feminist ideologies to elucidate the systemic exploitation perpetuated by the patriarchal structure. The author further stated that the origins of poverty among women may be attributed mostly to inheritance discrimination and social marginalisation. These factors give rise to several obstacles that perpetuate injustice and economic disparity, as well as undermine women's self-worth, both before to and after marriage. In this study, Rokeya's work on the moral foundation of social justice is examined. Her thoughts are categorised into four fundamental frameworks of social justice, including redistribution, acknowledgment, affirmation, and transformation, which align with Fraser's conceptualization of social justice. Rokeya's work suggests a focus on using diverse feminist methodologies that are tailored to the specific socio-economic framework of a given community. The objective is to dismantle societal limitations by addressing discrimination via the implementation of justice, acknowledgment within the social sphere, and the redistribution of inheritance. Rokeya posits that the acquisition of education by women is necessary in order to confront prevailing societal prejudice, as well as to foster economic empowerment that aligns with the development of individual capabilities. Rokeya advocated for the acknowledgment of society in public spaces and the equitable redistribution of inheritance and ownership rights across all aspects of social formation, highlighting radical, liberal, and Marxist feminist ideologies. She said that economic empowerment, along with education, may serve as a catalyst for achieving justice for women. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of Rokeya's work necessitates acknowledging her radical, liberal, and Marxist feminist concepts, which serve as a partial elucidation. This is due to the fact that her pursuit of justice encompasses several feminist viewpoints, with a particular emphasis on fostering capacity development via economic empowerment.