DHAKA: The life and ideology of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain enthuse and inspire women in society, said Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Khaleda on Monday commented this in a message on the pioneering social reformer’s birth and death anniversary that falls on December 9.

However, the day is observed as Rokeya Day.

The BNP chief, in the message signed by BNP joint-secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, showed profound respect to the memories of Rokeya and prayed for her eternal peace.

The message further said that born (in 1880) and brought up in a conservative Muslim society, Rokeya was the pioneer in awakening women in society.

She understood that education can play the pivotal role in establishing women with self-reliance.

Rokeya struggled for the emancipation of women with the spread of education. She also faced obstacles from a section of bigots.

But she did not bow down to them rather she was well-determined to her mission of spreading education.

Khaleda said Rokeya, through her powerful writings, hit to gender inequality and other social malaises.

The BNP chairperson said that Rokeya inspired women to be self-respected in family, society and economic sector.

According to the message, the social reformer always believed that education is needed to achieve self-respect.

She made a social movement in establishing self-dependency for women fighting all sorts of social odds.

BDST: 1432 HRS, DEC 08, 2014