The publication of Women and Politics Worldwide in 1994 earned Najma Chowdhury the Victoria Schuck Award, establishing her as a significant figure in comparative gender studies. Over a career spanning five decades, she transformed academic discourse in Bangladesh by integrating women's empowerment into the political science curriculum while serving in high-level government advisory roles during national transitions.
Early Education and Academic Foundations
Born on 26 February 1942 in Sylhet, Chowdhury began her schooling in Assam before relocating to Dhaka. After completing her secondary education at Kamrunnesa Girls' School and higher secondary studies at Holy Cross College, she pursued political science at the University of Dhaka. In 1966, she secured a Commonwealth Scholarship to attend the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, where she completed her doctoral studies.
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Upon returning to Bangladesh in 1972, Chowdhury rejoined the faculty of the University of Dhaka. As chairperson of the political science department between 1984 and 1987, she initiated research and coursework focusing on women's development. Her efforts culminated in the creation of the university's Women and Gender Studies department in 2000. She later served as a professor and professor emeritus, remaining a central figure in the field until her death.
Government and International Advocacy
Chowdhury participated in international forums including the 1985 World Conference on Women in Nairobi and the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. In 1996, she served as an adviser to the first caretaker government led by Muhammad Habibur Rahman, overseeing the Ministry of Women and Children and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Labour and Manpower. Beyond academia, she held leadership positions in Women for Women International and the Human Development Foundation.
Research and Recognition
Her academic output, notably the 2010 text Of Mangroves and Monsters, examined the intersection of policy-making and women's political marginalization. For her research contributions, she received the 2008 Ekushey Padak and the 2007 Rokeya Chair. Chowdhury died on 8 August 2021 in Dhaka, following complications from COVID-19, and was interred at the Banani graveyard.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 February 1942, Sylhet
- Died: 8 August 2021, Dhaka
- Primary Fields: Political Science, Gender Studies
- Key Publication: Women and Politics Worldwide (1994)
- Notable Award: Ekushey Padak (2008)
- Government Role: Adviser to the 1996 Caretaker Government
- Education: University of Dhaka, SOAS University of London
- Burial Site: Banani graveyard, Dhaka
Questions readers ask
What was Najma Chowdhury's role in government?
She served as an adviser to the first caretaker government under Muhammad Habibur Rahman in 1996, managing the Ministry of Women and Children and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Labour and Manpower.
What was the significance of her 1994 book?
Co-edited with Barbara J. Nelson, the book Women and Politics Worldwide received the Victoria Schuck Award from the American Political Science Association for its contribution to political research.
