Unveiling the untold stories of five women wildlife photographers in Bangladesh who defy societal norms, break barriers, and inspire change on International Women’s Day
Rayhan Rafi :
International Women’s Day sheds light on the challenges women face, even in fields traditionally dominated by men. In Bangladesh, a burgeoning group of women defy societal norms by delving into wildlife photography, an arena marked by gender biases and expectations. Of course, not all males experience this; not all women do either. However, for years, sexism, misogyny, and gender bias have been pervasive in a silent way.
Despite a skewed male-to-female ratio (approximately 19:1), photographers like Mousumi Siraj, Sofia Zaman, Rehnuma Begum, Fatema Kibrya Labonno, and Pushpeta Pushpo have emerged as trailblazers. These wonder-women, now reaching the age of fifty, share tales of navigating sexism, financial constraints, and societal expectations to pursue their passion for wildlife photography. Each woman has carved her own unique journey, fostering inclusivity and inspiring a new generation of female photographers. Their resilience signifies a call to ‘invest in women, accelerate progress.
As they approach fifty, their dreams reflect the enthusiasm of teenagers. Capturing wildlife through the lens is their passion. The journey of becoming a wildlife photographer for these women wasn’t an easy one, challenging regional social norms. They invested their personal labor, time, and money, initially turning a hobby into an addiction and later transforming it into a full-fledged profession.
Mosumi Siraj, a government employee, recounted, “It all started with me, and then another joined, followed by more. Now, we have formed a women’s wildlife photography group with several members.”
She further explained, “I have been organizing these photography events for about six years, funding them from my own resources. With the increasing urbanization in the last two to three years, we have observed birds in a few places in the capital, Dhaka. While there is a budget to explore different districts of Bangladesh for photography, we have had to handle all arrangements ourselves.”
She expressed her desire for the cooperation and active participation of women in their initiatives aimed at safeguarding the country’s bird and wildlife sanctuaries.
Fatema Kibrya Labonno, a housewife, has been engaged in wildlife photography for approximately nine years. She underscored the urgent need for the conservation of birds in the country, expressing, “There were 750 bird species in Bangladesh; they are our own riches and are vanishing daily. If we do not save these species, the future generation will never know what it was like to live with us. We take pictures of wildlife for the benefit of coming generations.”
In addition to these concerns, she emphasized the significance of addressing urbanization and the structural development of the country. She added that, apart from individual efforts, the government should take more substantial steps to safeguard the country’s birds, nature, and biodiversity.
Pushpeta Pushpo, a private school coordinator by profession, highlighted the gender disparity in societal recognition within the field of wildlife photography, stating, “As much as a boy gets talked about in society or in wildlife photography for a good picture, a girl never gets it.”
She further shared the challenges faced during their photography expeditions, mentioning, “At times, we had to go to different remote areas with children and other family members, navigating difficult roads. Unfortunately, we do not receive even the slightest respect for our work.”
Expressing lament, she pointed out the zero inclusion of women in the country’s bird census or various types of surveys, despite engaging in photography as a hobby.
Rehana Begum, who initially found comfort in lifestyle and modeling photoshoots, now aspires to pursue wildlife photography professionally. She acknowledges the challenges of this photography sector, emphasizing its toughness. Rehana has faced numerous struggles, often pushing her limits. In her words, “Many times one has to face various tough times, I have had to struggle many times due to not being able to cope. Sometimes mornings, you have to stand in the water from dawn till dusk for a good picture.”
Highlighting the importance of physical fitness for wildlife photographers, she mentions, “Now that I’m 48, this is the typical age at which people in our nation become confined to their homes. We’re trying, though. For a more relaxed trip, we had to allocate a larger portion of our budget to transportation and hotel costs.”
Sofia Zaman, engaged in photography as a hobby for seven years, reflects on fulfilling her passion amid family responsibilities. Recalling childhood memories of her father taking pictures, she shares, “I used to see and enjoy the images that my father used to capture. Photographs were not taken during childhood or adolescence with the social and environmental aspects in consideration. Now that the kids have grown up, I am shooting pictures of them after the marriage. I’m achieving my goals in life.”
She concludes with a broader perspective, stating, “A nation that brings women and men together in the workplace will soon succeed.”
In celebrating these remarkable women on International Women’s Day, their stories echo resilience, defiance of norms, and a passion that transcends societal expectations. These women, turning their hobby into a profession, challenge gender biases in wildlife photography, inspiring generations to come. As we honor their achievements, their collective journey underscores the urgent need for gender inclusivity in all fields. Let their narratives inspire a future where women and men work collaboratively, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society. Happy International Women’s Day!
