The paper titled "Moving Beyond Gender Codes: The Upside-Down World of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain" focuses on the contributions of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain as a writer and social reformer, particularly in the context of gender issues and women's rights in South Asia. The study aims to explore Rokeya's emancipatory ideals, emphasizing how her works address the challenges women face and advocate for their education and socio-economic development.
The purpose of the study is to analyze Rokeya’s literary works, particularly Sultana's Dream and Padmarag, to understand her vision for gender equality and the empowerment of women. The study examines how her activism and literary contributions continue to be relevant today, providing insights into addressing contemporary gender issues.
The methodology involves a detailed analysis of Rokeya's narratives in Sultana's Dream and Padmarag, focusing on the thematic elements related to women's education, economic freedom, and gender equality. The paper draws from various feminist theories and historical contexts to situate Rokeya’s work within broader social movements.
Key findings highlight Rokeya's innovative use of feminist utopia in Sultana's Dream to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for a society where women are leaders in science, education, and governance. In Padmarag, she presents a philanthropic utopia where women from diverse backgrounds overcome patriarchal oppression through education and self-reliance. Rokeya's works emphasize the transformative power of education for women and criticize the systemic structures that marginalize them.
The study concludes that Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s vision remains a powerful call for gender equality. Her writings advocate for dismantling patriarchal norms and empowering women through education and economic independence. The implications of her work are significant for contemporary feminist movements, offering a blueprint for advancing women's rights and challenging gender-based discrimination in various spheres of life.