Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain

Bangladeshi educator and writer who pioneered women's education in British India through her school and satirical writings

Begum Rokeya (1880-1932) was a trailblazing Bengali educator and writer who challenged patriarchal norms in 19th-century British India. Born in Rangpur (now Bangladesh), she defied oppressive purdah practices to pursue education, later establishing the first school for Muslim girls in Bhagalpur (1916). Her institution, Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School, emphasized science, mathematics, and vocational training, empowering thousands of girls in a male-dominated society.

Rokeya's satirical writings, including the novella Sultana's Dream (1905), critiqued gender inequality through imaginative narratives. This futuristic story depicted a women-led utopia in a fictional Bengal, inspiring global feminist discourse. She also edited the journal Muslim Women's Magazine, advocating for women's rights to education, property, and political participation.

Her work laid the foundation for Bangladesh's women's education movement. Today, her legacy is honored through the Rokeya Hall at the University of Dhaka and the UNESCO Rokeya Prize for Girls' Education. Explore her impact further at Wikipedia or read her works at Bangladesh Government Archives.