::: Star Campus :::

Spotlight

Call for equal rights

Shaila Sharmin

There were times when the women who danced were disrespected by our society. They were called Nartoki, which was not a respectable term. Not only dancing, but also, any kinds of art like singing or performing in theatre, especially for Muslim girls, was highly denied. People have a prejudice that women learn dancing to entertain others, especially men. However, at present days people have come out of these discriminations. The parents highly appreciate when their daughters want to learn dancing, singing, theatres and so on. Through these art forms people can teach others about social values, their lives and the problems they face in a society. Many people think that women have to violate their religious code if they want to involve them in such acts. This is another excuse to dominate girls in a male dominated society, showing religious codes that are not really religious but social codes. In a kingdom, where there is only one king, a king will not ever want another king. This is just like our society; there is one dominating gender - men. That is why, they do not want women to be enlightened or feel free to do things. However, the good news is that the societies as well as people's minds have changed a lot. Women are now being enlightened with knowledge and profound values. This way, their minds have been broadened and they have become more aware of the deprivations imposed upon them.

(Asian University for Women, Chittagong)

Working as a Journalist

TO be honest, I never really thought of becoming a part of Star Campus (SC) team and being responsible enough to say that I work for SC. It is really nice to see the magazine turning three which I have been following from the very first day. Though I started contributing my write-ups from October 2006, it was only September last year that I joined SC team as a reporter. And I must say it has been a priceless experience, both as a contributor and as a reporter.

The best thing happened in my life till date as a full-time student is working with this magazine. It not only gave me enough space to share my views, but also helped me to explore different areas close to a youth's heart. This is the magazine which connected me with the people of different walks of life. I simply cannot explain how I feel when people appreciates (and sometimes criticize, well, criticism is really necessary) my work. I even have some 'Sunday' friends from distant parts of the country like Sunamganj, Khulna, Mymensingh among others; some of them I never met, who eagerly follow my write-ups, even the bad ones, and calls and sends text to share their views.

I am the only member of SC team residing outside Dhaka, and being in Chittagong, I never really felt like an outsider and for this of course, all credit goes to my wonderful colleagues and the team leader. Sometimes it becomes tough to meet deadlines after attending classes and exams in University of Chittagong, but I must acknowledge the support of SC team which allows me to have time to complete the work on time. Perhaps, because of that support and readers' love, working for this extremely popular largest student magazine of the country gives me pleasure instead of burden.