Ferdous Ara Khanam (Alieya Ferdowsi) is an icon of woman power. The dynamo of energy dons multiple roles effortlessly — as educationist, sports organiser, TV artiste, writer and drama director.
What’s her view of International Women’s Day? Alieya responds, “Women all over the world juggle many roles for the betterment of their families — as employees, care givers, homemakers and close friendships. They are also politically aware. So I don’t think that one day is sufficient recognition for women; everyday should be observed as women’s day.”
As for the progress of the women’s movement, Alieya believes that signs are encouraging. Citing the case of rural women playing a major role in income generating activities and improved female literacy rates, she asserts, “Our women are becoming more vocal in every respect and successfully entering into a globalised world. With a proper platform, they can be effective catalysts for change among the future generation.”
Alieya’s is a powerful voice in Bangladesh. To her credit, she has acted in nearly 300 radio, TV and stage plays. In addition, she is also founder and guiding force of a drama group for children and adults, named Gharay Bairay. The group participated in the International Children Drama Festival held in Turkey in 1997.
As chairperson for the Radio Drama Artiste’s Association, she has been the driving force behind a book comprising 15 radio plays, called Betar Natak Bibortaner Dhaka. The book includes a translation of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca from English to Bangla. Alieya has also essayed a role and directed Tagore’s stage plays Natir Puja and Dak Ghar.
More offbeat is her premier role as a sports organiser. A former physical education teacher, she has many achievements on this front. She is International Olympic Council award winner for 2004, Asian Shooting Confederation Women Committee Member, joint secretary National Shooting Federation, and founder president of Bangladesh Women Sport Leaders’ Association. In her capacity as a former general secretary of the pioneering Bengal Women Sports Federation, she developed training programmes for girls in swimming, chess, gymnastics, handball, volleyball and athletics all over the country.
Now she is eager to see the growth of women’s cricket in Bangladesh. “If we can work at the grassroots level, we will certainly achieve our target — with continued financial support from the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” she says.
Yet women’s sport, believes Alieya, has to contend with opposition from religious and social quarters. “My contention is that if women can work outside, then why not in sport? Along with physical fitness, they have the potential to be earning members of the family… Now we are working for awareness at all levels,” she asserts.
One question that comes to mind is whether Alieya has faced obstacles in her numerous endeavours. She believes that she is fortunate to have had a supportive family environment and helpful male colleagues. However, there is a caveat: “Sometimes when women prove better workers than men, the latter become envious. If they can adopt a more supportive role, women can make rapid strides. My message: The world is not meant just for men, but for both sexes.”
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