Achieving gender equality in Bangladesh's garment sector

The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector is the lifeblood of Bangladesh’s economy, accounting for over 80% of the country’s export earnings and employing approximately 4 million workers, the majority of whom are women. These women, often from rural areas, have been instrumental in transforming Bangladesh into one of the world’s leading garment exporters. Despite, their role, women in the RMG sector face numerous challenges that hinder their economic empowerment, health, and overall well-being. 

Addressing these issues is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for the sustainable growth of the industry and Bangladesh's broader economy. ETI Bangladesh works to understand and address these challenges through various initiatives, celebrating and leveraging International Women's Day each year to amplify these efforts.

What are some of the challenges faced by women garment workers?

Women make up nearly 55% of the workforce in Bangladesh’s RMG sector, yet their contributions are often overshadowed by the realities they face. These women often face limited opportunities for career advancement. The challenges they encounter are multifaceted and deeply rooted in systemic and cultural issues.

Many factories lack basic facilities such as safe and accessible toilets, menstrual hygiene materials, and access to safe drinking water. Additionally, gender-based violence and harassment is a recurring issue. While GBVH rates in the world of work are hard to measure, due to underreporting for a range of reasons, a recent study found that out of 140 garment workers, 45% reported experiencing sexual violence and harassment, 22% psychological harassment, 17% verbal abuse, 9% economic exploitation and 7% physical violence.

Women in the RMG sector earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with a wage gap of up to 30%. Many women lack financial literacy, leaving them with little control over their earnings and savings. A significant portion of female RMG workers also have incomplete primary education, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and limiting their ability to adapt to technological changes and advance their careers. 

Deep-seated gender norms and societal expectations often restrict women from pursuing leadership roles or continuing their careers. Many women are expected to prioritize caregiving responsibilities over their professional aspirations, leading to exits from the workforce. In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the proportion of women workers in the RMG sector. This trend is concerning, as it not only impacts the industry’s productivity but risks undermining women’s economic empowerment.

How is ETI Bangladesh working to address these issues?

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the working conditions and empowerment of women in the RMG sector. Through a range of initiatives, ETI Bangladesh is working to create a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-sensitive work environment.

ETI Bangladesh’s Gender Sensitive Workplace Programme is designed to empower women to take on leadership and representative roles in factories. The programme includes training for workers and management, behavioural change campaigns, and awareness-raising activities. This initiative has helped reduce worker migration, increase productivity, and foster a more supportive work environment for women.

ETI has also facilitated Sexual Harassment Complaint Committees (SHCC) in participating factories. These committees are trained to handle complaints effectively and ensure that victims receive the support they need. By providing advisory services and developing guidelines for complaint handling, ETI is working to create safer workplaces for women. 

In collaboration with Ethical Trading Initiative Norway and funded by Norad, ETI Bangladesh is implementing a project focused on promoting decent work conditions, gender equality, and climate resilience for RMG workers. This initiative emphasises social dialogue, strengthens civil society actors, and promotes workers’ rights with a focus on gender and climate issues.

ETI Bangladesh has organised factory consultations involving workers, management, and SHCC representatives to discuss pressing concerns and identify solutions. Additionally, ETI collaborated with organisations like GIZ and BRAC University to conduct research on the decline of women workers in the sector. These efforts provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and inform advocacy and policy recommendations.

How does International Women’s Day help drive progress?

International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a powerful platform for ETI Bangladesh to amplify its efforts in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the RMG sector. Each year, ETI uses IWD to raise awareness, celebrate women’s contributions, and advocate for systemic changes.

ETI Bangladesh hosts webinars and workshops in collaboration with organisations like Fair Wear Foundation to discuss strategies for promoting gender equality. These events bring together participants from factories to share good practice and develop actionable plans for creating gender-sensitive workplaces.

ETI Bangladesh participates in factory celebrations of International Women’s Day, distributing posters and using social media to promote gender equality. These campaigns go beyond symbolic gestures, aiming to foster lasting cultural changes within factories and challenge gender stereotypes.

ETI Bangladesh uses IWD as an opportunity to highlight research findings on the challenges faced by women in the RMG sector and works to ensures that its advocacy efforts are informed by evidence and strive to address the root causes.

Aligning with the themes of International Women’s Day, such as #EmbraceEquity, ETI emphasises the need for systemic changes that support women’s rights and empowerment. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive and equitable RMG sector where women can thrive.

Women are the backbone of Bangladesh’s RMG sector, yet they continue to face significant challenges that hinder their empowerment and well-being. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving working conditions, promoting gender equality, and challenging societal norms. ETI Bangladesh is playing a role in driving these changes, and initiatives like International Women’s Day provide a powerful platform to amplify these efforts. By fighting for gender equality, we not only enhance the lives of women, but also strengthen the RMG industry and contribute to the broader economic development of Bangladesh. The journey toward gender equality in the RMG sector is ongoing, but with sustained efforts from all stakeholders, a brighter future is within reach.

ETI Bangladesh is an independently registered subsidiary of ETI. To learn more about their work visit their website.