RUCSU polls: Alarmingly low female candidacy reflects rising online abuse, safety issues

As Rajshahi University prepares for its first student union elections in over 35 years, the low number of female candidates has sparked concern among faculty, students, and rights activists. The elections, which will take place on Sept 15, are marked by a disheartening underrepresentation of women, particularly in prominent positions. The disparity in female participation has been attributed to a rise in cyberbullying, tagging, and slut-shaming on social media, as well as a lack of personal security. Of the total 248 candidates for the Rajshahi University Central Students Union (RUCSU) elections, only 25 are women -- making up just 10 percent of the total candidates. If reserved seats, however, are excluded, the number drops to a mere 4.45 percent. The...