Editor's Note

Every year, International Women’s Day invites reflection not only on how far women have come, but also on how far societies must still travel to ensure equality, safety, and dignity. This year’s global theme—“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”—reminds us that rights mean little if they remain distant from everyday life. Justice must be visible, accessible, and humane, especially for those who need it most.

In Bangladesh, the promise of justice for women and girls continues to confront difficult realities. Laws have evolved, institutions have expanded, and public awareness has grown. Yet the lived experiences of many survivors of violence reveal a painful truth: the path to justice is often long, uncertain, and burdened by stigma, fear, and structural barriers. When women hesitate to report abuse or remain silent about their suffering, it signals not only individual vulnerability but also the need for stronger systems of protection and trust.

This special supplement explores the urgent question of access to justice—how laws, institutions, and social attitudes must work together to ensure that every woman and girl can seek protection without fear and claim her rights with dignity. From legal reforms and institutional accountability to community awareness and survivor-centred services, meaningful change requires coordinated action across many fronts.

Bangladesh has shown that progress is possible. The challenge now is to ensure that reforms translate into lived realities. Justice must not be a distant promise; it must be something every woman and girl can rely on in her daily life.

On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm a simple but powerful principle: a just society is one where no woman or girl stands alone in seeking justice.

Mahfuz Anam
Editor & Publisher 
The Daily Star