Within this dynamism, there are certain areas that are more resistant to change than others. For example, ours is a male-dominated society where emphasis is naturally placed more on sons. Customs and tradition dictated that they would be the inheritors of responsibility, looking after the parents in their old age and if need be, other female members of the family, namely sisters.

But times have changed. Today, women are more independent, vocal, and empowered with decision-making. Consequently, we see a shift in the roles and responsibilities of women as daughters. Many daughters today are becoming caregivers for their aging parents from all walks of life. It is time, therefore, that we reassess the role of daughters in our society where many parents are still obsessed by their sons. From time immemorial sons have been duly acknowledged, appreciated, recognized, and rewarded. Isn't it time for daughters to move up another step, another notch and stand squarely, shoulder to shoulder with their brothers?

Studies have shown that in this day and age the male child indeed continues to be the privileged one in our country. For example, a health statistic shows how male children are more likely to be taken to hospitals for treatment than female children. Preference for higher education is also automatically reserved for sons rather than for daughters. This must change; and although attitudes and mindsets change slowly, it has to start.

After all the pains that parents endure while raising children, we hear of instances of sons turning away from the responsibility of taking care of their parents. Rarely, if ever, do we hear of daughters doing the same. This is not to belittle the numerous loving and doting sons who are holding the hands of those who once held theirs in times of need. But society has already acknowledged them and according to tradition they already have their place in the sun. On the other hand little is said or done about loving daughters in our society. On a very small scale, attitudes may have begun to change somewhat in urban Bangladesh, representing a ray of hope. At this level, children are given equal status be they sons or daughters. As a result parents have earned equal respect and love, and there is more harmony in such families; but across the board this is not the reality and much more effort has to be made.

The Hadith says that for parents who succeed in bringing up three good daughters or even two, for them heaven is ensured. Nowhere does it say the same for raising sons. I wonder why.

Today I might note there are many daughters who are working and, thus, independently taking care of their parents. Many are actively guiding the steps of those who guided their first steps. Especially daughters living abroad have taken their parents with them to look after them better. In many cases it is the daughter who is actually keeping the memory and the family name alive while the son just has the name.

Daughters must no longer see themselves as being in the back seat. It is time that society and tradition gives them equal status with sons -- equal in opportunity, in recognition, in status, in self-worth, and in reward. Today, what daughters do is just as much if not more than sons. For them it is a matter of heart and never of duty.

The purpose of my writing this is to pay a tribute to all those wonderful and loving daughters wherever they may be and to say a quiet prayer that they be treated at par with all loving sons. Son or daughter, children are indeed a precious gift to all parents. It is time they receive equal treatment.