The Role of Gender Norms in Shaping Political Leadership: A Critical Analysis on Bangladesh Perspective

Gender norms play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of political leadership across the world. This study examines the role of gender norms in shaping political leadership in Bangladesh, focusing on the representation and participation of women in political institutions, the challenges posed by gender norms, the impact of gender equality policies, and the comparison of leadership styles between male and female leaders. Using a qualitative approach, the study relied on secondary data sources, including policy reports, academic literature, and historical documents. The analysis focuses on content analysis of the evolution of gender norms and their impact on political leadership, as well as the effectiveness of gender equality initiatives. The findings reveal that, despite progress in women’s representation, traditional patriarchal norms continue to limit women’s full participation in political leadership. Male leaders typically adopt an authoritative, transactional leadership style, emphasizing power and control, whereas female leaders tend toward a more inclusive, transformational style, focusing on social welfare and long-term policy planning. women face significant barriers, including societal scrutiny and the expectation to conform to both leadership and traditional gender roles. Gender equality policies, while present, have had limited impact due to deeply rooted societal norms and structural challenges. This study highlights the need for more effective policies and initiatives to address these gender-based barriers, encouraging a more inclusive political landscape and contributes to the broader discourse on gender and leadership, offering insights into how gender norms shape political leadership in developing countries like Bangladesh.