Women's Work in Urban Bangladesh: Is there an Economic Rationale?
Simeen Mahmud
Copyright Institute of Social Studies 1997
ABSTRACT
The general phenomenon that women in Bangladesh engage less frequently in market work than men is commonly explained as the lack of response of female labour to economic imperatives due to the overarching influence of purdah. However, this emphasis on a cultural rationale for gender-differentiated work behaviour diverts attention away from the deep-rooted economic inequalities at the societal level. This article examines women's work in urban Bangladesh from a female labour supply and demand perspective that is rooted in the socio-economic institutional context. The study finds that, despite the strong gender segregation of economic roles, women's roles are more flexible and lend themselves to changing household strategies more easily compared to men's. The evidence indicates that female labour market participation is largely the outcome of the supply effect shaped by the pattern of gender roles and gender-specific access to human capital. Consequently, women are relegated to low-skill market activities and have lower earnings than men, even without any overt discrimination in labour demand. The covert discrimination that leads women to pursue a different pattern of labour use than men is the fundamental gender bias of socio-economic institutions that govern household allocational decisions and dictate gender-specific behaviour.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The garment and shrimp processing industries are the highest employers of female laborers. Forty-three percent of women work in the agriculture,
The garment and shrimp processing industries are the highest employers of female laborers. Forty-three percent of women work in the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors, but 70 percent of them are unpaid family laborers. Many women work as manual laborers on construction projects as well, and constitute nearly 25 percent of all manufacturing workers. Women also are found in the electronics, food processing, beverage, and handicraft industries.
Sources:
Bangladesh: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (2000) http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/692.htm
ADB Country Briefing Paper: Women in Bangladesh (2001)
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Country_Briefing_Papers/Women_in_Bangladesh/default.asp
Sources:
Bangladesh: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (2000) http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/692.htm
ADB Country Briefing Paper: Women in Bangladesh (2001)
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Country_Briefing_Papers/Women_in_Bangladesh/default.asp
The garment and shrimp processing industries are the highest employers of female laborers. Forty-three percent of women work in the agriculture,
The garment and shrimp processing industries are the highest employers of female laborers. Forty-three percent of women work in the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors, but 70 percent of them are unpaid family laborers. Many women work as manual laborers on construction projects as well, and constitute nearly 25 percent of all manufacturing workers. Women also are found in the electronics, food processing, beverage, and handicraft industries.
Sources:
Bangladesh: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (2000) http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/692.htm
ADB Country Briefing Paper: Women in Bangladesh (2001)
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Country_Briefing_Papers/Women_in_Bangladesh/default.asp
Sources:
Bangladesh: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (2000) http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/692.htm
ADB Country Briefing Paper: Women in Bangladesh (2001)
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Country_Briefing_Papers/Women_in_Bangladesh/default.asp
Education and Employment
Education and Employment
For the most part, women remain in a subordinate position in society, and the Government has not acted effectively to protect their basic freedoms. Literacy rates are approximately 26 percent for women, compared with 49 percent for men. In recent years, female school enrollment has improved. Approximately 50 percent of primary and secondary school students are female. Women often are ignorant of their rights because of continued high illiteracy rates and unequal educational opportunities, and strong social stigmas and lack of economic means to obtain legal assistance frequently keep women from seeking redress in the courts. Many NGO's operate programs to raise women's awareness of their rights, and to encourage and assist them in exercising those rights.
Under the 1961 Muslim Family Ordinance, female heirs inherit less than male relatives do, and wives have fewer divorce rights than husbands. Men are permitted to have up to four wives, although this right rarely is exercised. Laws provide some protection for women against arbitrary divorce and the taking of additional wives by husbands without the first wife's consent, but the protections generally apply only to registered marriages. Marriages in rural areas often are not registered because of ignorance of the law. Under the law, a Muslim husband is required to pay his ex-wife alimony for only 3 months, but this rarely is enforced.
Employment opportunities have been stronger for women than for men in the last decade, which largely is due to the growth of the export garment industry in Dhaka and Chittagong. Eighty percent of the 1.4 million garment sector workers are women. Programs extending micro-credit to large numbers of rural women also have contributed to greater economic power for them. However, women still fill only a small fraction of other wage-earning jobs. According to a report by the Public Administration Reforms Commission publicized in October, women hold only 12 percent of government jobs, and only 2 percent of senior positions. The Government's policy to include more women in government jobs only has had limited effect. In recent years, about 15 percent of all recruits into government service have been women.
For the most part, women remain in a subordinate position in society, and the Government has not acted effectively to protect their basic freedoms. Literacy rates are approximately 26 percent for women, compared with 49 percent for men. In recent years, female school enrollment has improved. Approximately 50 percent of primary and secondary school students are female. Women often are ignorant of their rights because of continued high illiteracy rates and unequal educational opportunities, and strong social stigmas and lack of economic means to obtain legal assistance frequently keep women from seeking redress in the courts. Many NGO's operate programs to raise women's awareness of their rights, and to encourage and assist them in exercising those rights.
Under the 1961 Muslim Family Ordinance, female heirs inherit less than male relatives do, and wives have fewer divorce rights than husbands. Men are permitted to have up to four wives, although this right rarely is exercised. Laws provide some protection for women against arbitrary divorce and the taking of additional wives by husbands without the first wife's consent, but the protections generally apply only to registered marriages. Marriages in rural areas often are not registered because of ignorance of the law. Under the law, a Muslim husband is required to pay his ex-wife alimony for only 3 months, but this rarely is enforced.
Employment opportunities have been stronger for women than for men in the last decade, which largely is due to the growth of the export garment industry in Dhaka and Chittagong. Eighty percent of the 1.4 million garment sector workers are women. Programs extending micro-credit to large numbers of rural women also have contributed to greater economic power for them. However, women still fill only a small fraction of other wage-earning jobs. According to a report by the Public Administration Reforms Commission publicized in October, women hold only 12 percent of government jobs, and only 2 percent of senior positions. The Government's policy to include more women in government jobs only has had limited effect. In recent years, about 15 percent of all recruits into government service have been women.
The law prohibits rape and physical spousal abuse, but it makes no specific provision for spousal rape as a crime.
The law prohibits rape and physical spousal abuse, but it makes no specific provision for spousal rape as a crime. A total of 3,516 rapes and 3,523 incidents of spousal abuses were officially reported during the year. Of the spousal abuse cases, 2,814 were related to disputes over dowry. Of the 2,130 alleged rapists that were prosecuted, 63 persons were convicted. The Government reports that other rape cases are under trial. During the year, the Government acceded to the U.N. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The Government also has enacted laws specifically prohibiting certain forms of discrimination against women, including the Anti-Dowry Prohibition Act of 1980, the Cruelty to Women Law of 1983, and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act of 1995, which was replaced by the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act of 2000. However, enforcement of these laws is weak, especially in rural areas, and the Government seldom prosecutes those cases that are filed. According to a human rights organization, there are 7 government-run and 13 privately run large shelter homes available for use by women who are victims of violence. Some smaller homes also are available for victims of violence. However, these are insufficient to meet victims' shelter needs. As a result, the Government often holds women who file rape complaints in safe custody, usually in prison. Safe custody frequently results in further abuses against victims, discouraging the filing of complaints by other women, and often continues for extended periods during which women often are unable to gain release.
There is extensive trafficking in women for the purpose of forced prostitution within the country and to other countries in Asia.
There is extensive trafficking in women for the purpose of forced prostitution within the country and to other countries in Asia.
The law prohibits rape and physical spousal abuse, but it makes no specific provision for spousal rape as a crime.
The law prohibits rape and physical spousal abuse, but it makes no specific provision for spousal rape as a crime. A total of 3,516 rapes and 3,523 incidents of spousal abuses were officially reported during the year. Of the spousal abuse cases, 2,814 were related to disputes over dowry. Of the 2,130 alleged rapists that were prosecuted, 63 persons were convicted. The Government reports that other rape cases are under trial. During the year, the Government acceded to the U.N. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The Government also has enacted laws specifically prohibiting certain forms of discrimination against women, including the Anti-Dowry Prohibition Act of 1980, the Cruelty to Women Law of 1983, and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act of 1995, which was replaced by the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act of 2000. However, enforcement of these laws is weak, especially in rural areas, and the Government seldom prosecutes those cases that are filed. According to a human rights organization, there are 7 government-run and 13 privately run large shelter homes available for use by women who are victims of violence. Some smaller homes also are available for victims of violence. However, these are insufficient to meet victims' shelter needs. As a result, the Government often holds women who file rape complaints in safe custody, usually in prison. Safe custody frequently results in further abuses against victims, discouraging the filing of complaints by other women, and often continues for extended periods during which women often are unable to gain release.
There is extensive trafficking in women for the purpose of forced prostitution within the country and to other countries in Asia.
There is extensive trafficking in women for the purpose of forced prostitution within the country and to other countries in Asia.
Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women
Violence against women is difficult to quantify because of unreliable statistics, but recent reports
indicated that domestic violence is widespread. A report released by the U.N. Population Fund in
September asserted that 47 percent of adult women report physical abuse by their male
partner. The Government, the media, and women's rights organizations have fostered a growing
awareness of the problem of violence against women.
Much of the violence against women is related to disputes over dowries. According to a human
rights group, there were 81 dowry-related killings during the year. Human rights groups and press
reports indicate that incidents of vigilantism against women--sometimes led by religious leaders--
at times occur, particularly in rural areas. These include humiliating, painful punishments, such as
the whipping of women accused of moral offenses. Assailants who fling acid in their faces
disfigured numerous women. One human rights organization reported that 181 women suffered
acid attacks during the year. The most common motivation for acid-throwing attacks against
women is revenge by a rejected suitor; land disputes are another leading cause of the acid
attacks. Few perpetrators of the acid attacks are prosecuted. Often the perpetrator flings the
acid in through an open window during the night, making cases difficult to prove. Some arrests
have been made, and one person has been given the death sentence
Violence against women is difficult to quantify because of unreliable statistics, but recent reports
indicated that domestic violence is widespread. A report released by the U.N. Population Fund in
September asserted that 47 percent of adult women report physical abuse by their male
partner. The Government, the media, and women's rights organizations have fostered a growing
awareness of the problem of violence against women.
Much of the violence against women is related to disputes over dowries. According to a human
rights group, there were 81 dowry-related killings during the year. Human rights groups and press
reports indicate that incidents of vigilantism against women--sometimes led by religious leaders--
at times occur, particularly in rural areas. These include humiliating, painful punishments, such as
the whipping of women accused of moral offenses. Assailants who fling acid in their faces
disfigured numerous women. One human rights organization reported that 181 women suffered
acid attacks during the year. The most common motivation for acid-throwing attacks against
women is revenge by a rejected suitor; land disputes are another leading cause of the acid
attacks. Few perpetrators of the acid attacks are prosecuted. Often the perpetrator flings the
acid in through an open window during the night, making cases difficult to prove. Some arrests
have been made, and one person has been given the death sentence
Cabinet and Public Services
Cabinet and Public Services
Although two women Prime Ministers have headed the Government during the last six years and
the leaders of the opposition in Parliament were also women, this does not reflect the gender
composition of participation and decision making at the highest policy level. At the ministerial
level, women’s representation has never risen above 3 percent.
Before 1996, women were never given full responsibility over any important ministry. Apart from
being Prime Minister, others were state or deputy ministers responsible for insignificant ministries
such as Culture, Social Welfare, and Women. Currently one woman Minister, who had become a
Member of Parliament in 1991 and 1996 through direct elections, is responsible for a ministry,
i.e., Agriculture. Another woman minister is responsible for the Ministry of Forest and
Environment.
Although two women Prime Ministers have headed the Government during the last six years and
the leaders of the opposition in Parliament were also women, this does not reflect the gender
composition of participation and decision making at the highest policy level. At the ministerial
level, women’s representation has never risen above 3 percent.
Before 1996, women were never given full responsibility over any important ministry. Apart from
being Prime Minister, others were state or deputy ministers responsible for insignificant ministries
such as Culture, Social Welfare, and Women. Currently one woman Minister, who had become a
Member of Parliament in 1991 and 1996 through direct elections, is responsible for a ministry,
i.e., Agriculture. Another woman minister is responsible for the Ministry of Forest and
Environment.
Local Government
Local Government
Women were first elected to local bodies in 1973. The Union Parishad Election of 1997 is a
milestone in the history of political empowerment of women in Bangladesh. The Government of
Bangladesh enacted a law for direct elections to reserve seats for women in local level elections.
In 1997 through an Act, the Government reserved three seats for women in the union parishad
where women members are elected from each of the three respective wards. Apart from the
reserved seats women can also contest for any of the general seats. Previously, the process of
selection of the women representatives was on the basis of nominations and/or indirect election.
Around 12,828 women were elected as members in the 1997 local level elections. A total of 20
and 110 women were elected as chairpersons and members, respectively, for general seats. The
Government has already issued different executive orders to ensure women members’
participation in various decision-making committees.
The majority of women representatives regularly attended parishad meetings, but only a few of
them participated in the deliberations and decisions. The female representatives usually involved
themselves with mass education, family planning, immunization, handicrafts, relief activity, and
shalish (mediation in the village court). The women representatives have the potentials to
become change agents for rural women and various NGOs. A few government institutions such
as the National Institute of Local Government are training women on various development-related
issues, legal aid, and organizational structure of local bodies and their roles and functions to
enable them play their role effectively.
Women were first elected to local bodies in 1973. The Union Parishad Election of 1997 is a
milestone in the history of political empowerment of women in Bangladesh. The Government of
Bangladesh enacted a law for direct elections to reserve seats for women in local level elections.
In 1997 through an Act, the Government reserved three seats for women in the union parishad
where women members are elected from each of the three respective wards. Apart from the
reserved seats women can also contest for any of the general seats. Previously, the process of
selection of the women representatives was on the basis of nominations and/or indirect election.
Around 12,828 women were elected as members in the 1997 local level elections. A total of 20
and 110 women were elected as chairpersons and members, respectively, for general seats. The
Government has already issued different executive orders to ensure women members’
participation in various decision-making committees.
The majority of women representatives regularly attended parishad meetings, but only a few of
them participated in the deliberations and decisions. The female representatives usually involved
themselves with mass education, family planning, immunization, handicrafts, relief activity, and
shalish (mediation in the village court). The women representatives have the potentials to
become change agents for rural women and various NGOs. A few government institutions such
as the National Institute of Local Government are training women on various development-related
issues, legal aid, and organizational structure of local bodies and their roles and functions to
enable them play their role effectively.
Women’s Rights in Bangladesh
Women’s Rights in Bangladesh
Politics
Women have been more politically stable in the last two decades. A quota has ensured women's presence in the local government and National Parliament. Among women politicians, the older group entered politics through social work, while some among them and the new generation of have emerged from student politics. Despite many odds, statistics and analyses reveal a slowly growing trend towards women's political participation. However, they face an ominous challenge. There has also been a growing influence of money in Bangladesh politics, particularly in electoral politics and in guarding/promoting spheres of influence. This acts as a further constraint on women’s political participation since fewer women have access to financial resources. It is very difficult for women to work effectively in this system unless such practices are eradicated.
Political Parties
Party affiliation depends on membership drives and on the organizational and electoral needs of each party. The actual number of women members in different political parties, however, cannot be determined, since gender-specific records are not maintained. Nevertheless, a slow trend towards women's greater participation has emerged over the decade. As party workers, women render valuable contributions in the mobilization of voters, especially among other women. Although there are only a few women in leadership positions, their numbers have increased over the last two decades. There is limited female involvement in party hierarchical structures. However, women occupy the top leadership positions in each of the two largest parties. They became leaders during crisis periods and have been successful as driving forces and unifying factors of their respective parties. Significantly, neither of them inherited the mantle of leadership when their party was in power. Once placed in the position of leadership, they were able to generate their own dynamics and momentum to lead their parties through difficult times. Nevertheless, their close and inner circle of advisors mostly consists of men. In occupying the role of a leader in public life, they have perhaps contributed to liberalizing values in a predominantly Muslim culture where traditionally men had exclusive prerogative in politics. They played a crucial role toward democratization and brought about a certain degree of continuity into the political process. They have a strong potential to be positive role models for women of all ages in Bangladesh, provided they demonstrate a commitment to gender equity by involving more women in their parties and in government. The election manifestos and constitutions of different political parties reveal that there is little emphasis on gender equality in party platforms.
Electoral process
Although women do not hold key positions during the electoral process, they render significant contributions during election campaigns by taking part in organizing public meetings, processions, and rallies. Women leaders and party workers engage in the task of mobilizing and canvassing voters, particularly women, for their party candidates. By making special arrangements such as separate election booths for women, and females presiding as polling officers, the turnout rate of women voters has increased. During the general elections of 1991 and 1996, and local level elections in 1993 and 1997, the level of enthusiasm among women to exercise their voting rights was very encouraging. Because of the special arrangements and security measures taken by the Government, there were few disturbances and the presence of women in polling centers was significant.
1
Politics
Women have been more politically stable in the last two decades. A quota has ensured women's presence in the local government and National Parliament. Among women politicians, the older group entered politics through social work, while some among them and the new generation of have emerged from student politics. Despite many odds, statistics and analyses reveal a slowly growing trend towards women's political participation. However, they face an ominous challenge. There has also been a growing influence of money in Bangladesh politics, particularly in electoral politics and in guarding/promoting spheres of influence. This acts as a further constraint on women’s political participation since fewer women have access to financial resources. It is very difficult for women to work effectively in this system unless such practices are eradicated.
Political Parties
Party affiliation depends on membership drives and on the organizational and electoral needs of each party. The actual number of women members in different political parties, however, cannot be determined, since gender-specific records are not maintained. Nevertheless, a slow trend towards women's greater participation has emerged over the decade. As party workers, women render valuable contributions in the mobilization of voters, especially among other women. Although there are only a few women in leadership positions, their numbers have increased over the last two decades. There is limited female involvement in party hierarchical structures. However, women occupy the top leadership positions in each of the two largest parties. They became leaders during crisis periods and have been successful as driving forces and unifying factors of their respective parties. Significantly, neither of them inherited the mantle of leadership when their party was in power. Once placed in the position of leadership, they were able to generate their own dynamics and momentum to lead their parties through difficult times. Nevertheless, their close and inner circle of advisors mostly consists of men. In occupying the role of a leader in public life, they have perhaps contributed to liberalizing values in a predominantly Muslim culture where traditionally men had exclusive prerogative in politics. They played a crucial role toward democratization and brought about a certain degree of continuity into the political process. They have a strong potential to be positive role models for women of all ages in Bangladesh, provided they demonstrate a commitment to gender equity by involving more women in their parties and in government. The election manifestos and constitutions of different political parties reveal that there is little emphasis on gender equality in party platforms.
Electoral process
Although women do not hold key positions during the electoral process, they render significant contributions during election campaigns by taking part in organizing public meetings, processions, and rallies. Women leaders and party workers engage in the task of mobilizing and canvassing voters, particularly women, for their party candidates. By making special arrangements such as separate election booths for women, and females presiding as polling officers, the turnout rate of women voters has increased. During the general elections of 1991 and 1996, and local level elections in 1993 and 1997, the level of enthusiasm among women to exercise their voting rights was very encouraging. Because of the special arrangements and security measures taken by the Government, there were few disturbances and the presence of women in polling centers was significant.
1
UPCOMING WORK
Creating the First Women's Broadcast News Service in Bangladesh
In a country where women play a minor role in TV news, Knight International is working with female journalists to start a new broadcast news service. Knight Fellow Kawser Mahmud, an experienced broadcaster, is training women to become TV reporters and producers and feed their stories to major networks. Their reports will focus on social issues of particular concern to women that are not covered in mainstream media. Broadcast media are proliferating in Bangladesh after the country recently began licensing independent television news channels. Learn more about the project.
UPCOMING WORK
Recruit and train print journalists to participate in broadcast news service.
Focus coverage on social issues.
Market coverage to newly licensed independent television networks to build sustainability
In a country where women play a minor role in TV news, Knight International is working with female journalists to start a new broadcast news service. Knight Fellow Kawser Mahmud, an experienced broadcaster, is training women to become TV reporters and producers and feed their stories to major networks. Their reports will focus on social issues of particular concern to women that are not covered in mainstream media. Broadcast media are proliferating in Bangladesh after the country recently began licensing independent television news channels. Learn more about the project.
UPCOMING WORK
Recruit and train print journalists to participate in broadcast news service.
Focus coverage on social issues.
Market coverage to newly licensed independent television networks to build sustainability
UNDP Report outlines policies for sending and host countries to protect migrant women
“Many migrant workers around the world are subject to exploitation and mistreatment, and
that is a worldwide problem that we are very concerned about.” says Engr. Khandaker
Mosharraf Hossain, Honourable Minister for Labour, Employment, Expatriate Welfare and
Overseas Employment “Host countries and countries of origin have an equal responsibility to
provide protective policies and programmes. However, progress is being made and there is
more dialogue between origin and host countries which is helping us ensure that migrant’
rights are respected and protected while they are abroad.”
People move to other countries in search of improving their economic status. Often they are
pushed into migrating because of poverty, socio-economic instability and inequality, political
unrest, gender inequity, uneven distribution of resources and/or natural disasters. Without
adequate preparation and knowledge about the various risks associated with movement few
are aware of their vulnerability to HIV and human trafficking or know how to protect
themselves says the UNDP-OKUP study.
“When analyzing the unsafe conditions that Bangladeshi women face when migrating to work
overseas, we found that the absence of laws and regulations in the recruitment process for
migrant domestic workers and the poor working conditions they face once on site render
women very vulnerable, altogether contributing to a higher risk of contracting HIV” says
Shakirul Islam Lead Researcher and chairman of OKUP. “Inadequate pre-departure
orientation on HIV and health vulnerabilities for departing migrants is also a big gap. Most
importantly, although migrants are included in the country’s national strategic plan for
HIV/AIDS, there is no national HIV response for migrant workers” he says.
A majority of Bangladeshi migrants – around 60 per cent – find jobs through family networks
and do not receive adequate pre-departure briefing. For instance the Government’s Bureau of
Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) runs just one pre-departure briefing centre for
the whole country. Coupled with the weak monitoring system, the inability to reprimand
defaulting recruitment agents, and loopholes in existing laws all contribute to continued
violations of the compulsory pre-departure briefing policy.
The Bangladesh study, forms one of the country chapters of the regional report titled: HIV
vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Asia to the Arab states launched earlier in
March 2009.
“The regional report highlights that the deportation of HIV-positive migrants by host
countries and the absence of reintegration programmes in countries of origin can be
devastating for the health, well-being, and livelihoods of migrants and their families” says
Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP HIV Team Leader and Regional Programme Coordinator “There is an
urgent need to set up effective reintegration programmes for returning migrants and ensure
their access to health services and livelihood options.”
For information:
In Bangladesh: sakil.faizullah@undp.org Tel: +88 01713049900
In India: surekha.subarwal@undp.
that is a worldwide problem that we are very concerned about.” says Engr. Khandaker
Mosharraf Hossain, Honourable Minister for Labour, Employment, Expatriate Welfare and
Overseas Employment “Host countries and countries of origin have an equal responsibility to
provide protective policies and programmes. However, progress is being made and there is
more dialogue between origin and host countries which is helping us ensure that migrant’
rights are respected and protected while they are abroad.”
People move to other countries in search of improving their economic status. Often they are
pushed into migrating because of poverty, socio-economic instability and inequality, political
unrest, gender inequity, uneven distribution of resources and/or natural disasters. Without
adequate preparation and knowledge about the various risks associated with movement few
are aware of their vulnerability to HIV and human trafficking or know how to protect
themselves says the UNDP-OKUP study.
“When analyzing the unsafe conditions that Bangladeshi women face when migrating to work
overseas, we found that the absence of laws and regulations in the recruitment process for
migrant domestic workers and the poor working conditions they face once on site render
women very vulnerable, altogether contributing to a higher risk of contracting HIV” says
Shakirul Islam Lead Researcher and chairman of OKUP. “Inadequate pre-departure
orientation on HIV and health vulnerabilities for departing migrants is also a big gap. Most
importantly, although migrants are included in the country’s national strategic plan for
HIV/AIDS, there is no national HIV response for migrant workers” he says.
A majority of Bangladeshi migrants – around 60 per cent – find jobs through family networks
and do not receive adequate pre-departure briefing. For instance the Government’s Bureau of
Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) runs just one pre-departure briefing centre for
the whole country. Coupled with the weak monitoring system, the inability to reprimand
defaulting recruitment agents, and loopholes in existing laws all contribute to continued
violations of the compulsory pre-departure briefing policy.
The Bangladesh study, forms one of the country chapters of the regional report titled: HIV
vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Asia to the Arab states launched earlier in
March 2009.
“The regional report highlights that the deportation of HIV-positive migrants by host
countries and the absence of reintegration programmes in countries of origin can be
devastating for the health, well-being, and livelihoods of migrants and their families” says
Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP HIV Team Leader and Regional Programme Coordinator “There is an
urgent need to set up effective reintegration programmes for returning migrants and ensure
their access to health services and livelihood options.”
For information:
In Bangladesh: sakil.faizullah@undp.org Tel: +88 01713049900
In India: surekha.subarwal@undp.
Bangladeshi Women Migrants Face
Bangladeshi Women Migrants Face
Abuse and Health Hardships abroad
UNDP Report outlines policies for sending and host countries to protect migrant women
24 November, Dhaka – A majority of Bangladeshi women migrants work as domestic
workers in the Arab states. Many of them face physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their
employers. Subject to mandatory testing they are deported when they test positive for HIV.
These are some of the findings of a study released here today by the UN Development
Programme (UNDP) and OKUP (Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program).
“The economic gains generated by migrant workers are enormous, reaching almost 9.4 % of
GDP in Bangladesh in 2007” said Stefan Priesner, UNDP Country Director. “It is therefore
critical that good working conditions and support are provided to migrant workers throughout
the migration cycle” he added.
The report, HIV vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Bangladesh to the Arab
States, reveals the social, economic and health toll that migration imposes on emigrating
women, particularly low-skilled ones who are lured by job prospects. The findings of the
study are based on almost 250 interviews which included women migrant workers who
experienced undocumented migration and faced vulnerable situations such as sexual abuse
and deportation on the grounds of testing HIV positive.
“Although migration itself is not a risk factor to HIV infection, the conditions under which
some workers migrate and their living conditions in the host countries make them highly
vulnerable to HIV” says Dr. Salil Panakadan UNAIDS Country Coordinator “In many cases,
HIV testing in both countries of origin and host countries breaches migrants’ rights – testing
is undertaken without consent, counseling, confidentiality or support,” he says.
The Arab States are the primary destination for many migrant workers from Asia including
Bangladesh. The host countries examined in the study are: Bahrain, Lebanon and UAE.
The Bangladesh study reveals that there is no minimum wage for Bangladeshi domestic
workers either in Bahrain or in Dubai. The study found that domestic workers in Bahrain and
Dubai are paid just around $100 a month.
Women migrants also face numerous hardships, including irregular payment of salaries, long
working hours, physical and sexual abuse. In situations of abuse, domestic workers
sometimes resort to running away, which increases their vulnerability to other forms of
exploitation, including forced prostitution or trafficking.
Domestic work in the Arab countries where the study took place and in Bangladesh is not
covered by labour laws and women migrants, therefore, have no access to legal redress when
exploited or abused.
Abuse and Health Hardships abroad
UNDP Report outlines policies for sending and host countries to protect migrant women
24 November, Dhaka – A majority of Bangladeshi women migrants work as domestic
workers in the Arab states. Many of them face physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their
employers. Subject to mandatory testing they are deported when they test positive for HIV.
These are some of the findings of a study released here today by the UN Development
Programme (UNDP) and OKUP (Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program).
“The economic gains generated by migrant workers are enormous, reaching almost 9.4 % of
GDP in Bangladesh in 2007” said Stefan Priesner, UNDP Country Director. “It is therefore
critical that good working conditions and support are provided to migrant workers throughout
the migration cycle” he added.
The report, HIV vulnerabilities faced by women migrants: from Bangladesh to the Arab
States, reveals the social, economic and health toll that migration imposes on emigrating
women, particularly low-skilled ones who are lured by job prospects. The findings of the
study are based on almost 250 interviews which included women migrant workers who
experienced undocumented migration and faced vulnerable situations such as sexual abuse
and deportation on the grounds of testing HIV positive.
“Although migration itself is not a risk factor to HIV infection, the conditions under which
some workers migrate and their living conditions in the host countries make them highly
vulnerable to HIV” says Dr. Salil Panakadan UNAIDS Country Coordinator “In many cases,
HIV testing in both countries of origin and host countries breaches migrants’ rights – testing
is undertaken without consent, counseling, confidentiality or support,” he says.
The Arab States are the primary destination for many migrant workers from Asia including
Bangladesh. The host countries examined in the study are: Bahrain, Lebanon and UAE.
The Bangladesh study reveals that there is no minimum wage for Bangladeshi domestic
workers either in Bahrain or in Dubai. The study found that domestic workers in Bahrain and
Dubai are paid just around $100 a month.
Women migrants also face numerous hardships, including irregular payment of salaries, long
working hours, physical and sexual abuse. In situations of abuse, domestic workers
sometimes resort to running away, which increases their vulnerability to other forms of
exploitation, including forced prostitution or trafficking.
Domestic work in the Arab countries where the study took place and in Bangladesh is not
covered by labour laws and women migrants, therefore, have no access to legal redress when
exploited or abused.
Interview: Bangladeshi women should be inspired
DHAKA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- "More and more Bangladeshi women are involved in different professions, either in garment industry or in politics. This is a big progress for women empowerment in Bangladesh," said UN Under Secretary-General Ameerah Haq.
At an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently, the newly appointed UN under secretary general who is a Bangladeshi said that she hoped Bangladeshi women should be inspired by what she has achieved.
Over the past 34 years, Ameerah has been working for UN in different assignments in Indonesia, Afghanistan, Laos, Malaysia and Sudan. She is the highest-ranking UN staff from Bangladesh.
"As a Bangladeshi, I am happy and feel proud to take the post as UN under Secretary-General. I think it can be a source of inspiration to Bangladeshi women to work hard and realize their values," Ameerah said.
Bangladesh is still a male-dominated country though it has a female prime minister. Women take less posts in the government and non-government organizations compare with the men.
"Women can do well if they are given a chance," Ameerah said.
"Many Bangladeshi women are taking responsibilities of taking care of the families," she said.
Ameerah encouraged Bangladeshi women to be educated. "If a woman is educated, the whole family will be benefited," she said.
"A woman can have a better life when she is educated," she added.
Ameerah joined the UN in 1976 after getting two master's degrees in America.
Ameerah said that nowadays it is very competitive to apply for a post in UN headquarters. "As a applicant, you must have a good command of languages, you must follow the political and economic development in the world and have a good knowledge of it. That's the basic conditions," she said.
Ameerah has faced many difficulties in her career, saying "from2004 to 2009, I worked in war-ravaged Afghanistan and Sudan. It was quite difficult to work in these countries. There were so many frustrations."
"In those difficult times, strong will and perseverance helped me get through," she added.
Regarding to her new post in Timor-Leste as a special envoy of the UN secretary general which she will take very soon, Ameerah said "I am looking forward to taking the new post. It is a new challenge for me, but I will try my very best to work well."
At an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently, the newly appointed UN under secretary general who is a Bangladeshi said that she hoped Bangladeshi women should be inspired by what she has achieved.
Over the past 34 years, Ameerah has been working for UN in different assignments in Indonesia, Afghanistan, Laos, Malaysia and Sudan. She is the highest-ranking UN staff from Bangladesh.
"As a Bangladeshi, I am happy and feel proud to take the post as UN under Secretary-General. I think it can be a source of inspiration to Bangladeshi women to work hard and realize their values," Ameerah said.
Bangladesh is still a male-dominated country though it has a female prime minister. Women take less posts in the government and non-government organizations compare with the men.
"Women can do well if they are given a chance," Ameerah said.
"Many Bangladeshi women are taking responsibilities of taking care of the families," she said.
Ameerah encouraged Bangladeshi women to be educated. "If a woman is educated, the whole family will be benefited," she said.
"A woman can have a better life when she is educated," she added.
Ameerah joined the UN in 1976 after getting two master's degrees in America.
Ameerah said that nowadays it is very competitive to apply for a post in UN headquarters. "As a applicant, you must have a good command of languages, you must follow the political and economic development in the world and have a good knowledge of it. That's the basic conditions," she said.
Ameerah has faced many difficulties in her career, saying "from2004 to 2009, I worked in war-ravaged Afghanistan and Sudan. It was quite difficult to work in these countries. There were so many frustrations."
"In those difficult times, strong will and perseverance helped me get through," she added.
Regarding to her new post in Timor-Leste as a special envoy of the UN secretary general which she will take very soon, Ameerah said "I am looking forward to taking the new post. It is a new challenge for me, but I will try my very best to work well."
Women's Work in Urban Bangladesh: Is there an Economic Rationale?
Women's Work in Urban Bangladesh: Is there an Economic Rationale?
Simeen Mahmud
Copyright Institute of Social Studies 1997
ABSTRACT
The general phenomenon that women in Bangladesh engage less frequently in market work than men is commonly explained as the lack of response of female labour to economic imperatives due to the overarching influence of purdah. However, this emphasis on a cultural rationale for gender-differentiated work behaviour diverts attention away from the deep-rooted economic inequalities at the societal level. This article examines women's work in urban Bangladesh from a female labour supply and demand perspective that is rooted in the socio-economic institutional context. The study finds that, despite the strong gender segregation of economic roles, women's roles are more flexible and lend themselves to changing household strategies more easily compared to men's. The evidence indicates that female labour market participation is largely the outcome of the supply effect shaped by the pattern of gender roles and gender-specific access to human capital. Consequently, women are relegated to low-skill market activities and have lower earnings than men, even without any overt discrimination in labour demand. The covert discrimination that leads women to pursue a different pattern of labour use than men is the fundamental gender bias of socio-economic institutions that govern household allocational decisions and dictate gender-specific behaviour.
Simeen Mahmud
Copyright Institute of Social Studies 1997
ABSTRACT
The general phenomenon that women in Bangladesh engage less frequently in market work than men is commonly explained as the lack of response of female labour to economic imperatives due to the overarching influence of purdah. However, this emphasis on a cultural rationale for gender-differentiated work behaviour diverts attention away from the deep-rooted economic inequalities at the societal level. This article examines women's work in urban Bangladesh from a female labour supply and demand perspective that is rooted in the socio-economic institutional context. The study finds that, despite the strong gender segregation of economic roles, women's roles are more flexible and lend themselves to changing household strategies more easily compared to men's. The evidence indicates that female labour market participation is largely the outcome of the supply effect shaped by the pattern of gender roles and gender-specific access to human capital. Consequently, women are relegated to low-skill market activities and have lower earnings than men, even without any overt discrimination in labour demand. The covert discrimination that leads women to pursue a different pattern of labour use than men is the fundamental gender bias of socio-economic institutions that govern household allocational decisions and dictate gender-specific behaviour.
Social Exclusion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi Women
Social Exclusion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi Women
Dale, Angela
Abstract: This paper explores some of the processes that influence access to higher education and employment for Pakistani and Bangladeshi women in Britain. We ask what changes we can expect amongst younger Pakistani and Bangladeshi women who have grown up in the UK? How do we expect educational qualifications and family formation to influence labour market participation amongst these women? What barriers do these women face in obtaining qualifications and paid employment? To what extent are these barriers imposed by the family and community and to what extent are they imposed by the local labour market? We find evidence of change across generations. By contrast with their mothers' generation, younger women who had been educated in the UK saw paid work as a means to independence and self- esteem. Women with higher level qualifications often showed considerable determination in managing to combine paid work and child-care. Whilst most women subscribed strongly to the centrality of the family, it is clear that the majority will follow very different routes through the life-course from their mothers. However, even with higher level qualifications, women are facing considerable barriers to employment. If the expected increase in economic activity amongst Pakistani and Bangladeshi women is not to lead to even higher unemployment, there is a pressing need to ensure that potential employers do not hold negative and out-dated stereotypes of traditional Muslim women.
Ethnicity; gender; employment; unemployment; education, marriage, South Asian; family formation
Restricted Access to Full Text
The full text of articles published in Sociological Research Online is restricted to readers on institutional networks. If you are reading the journal from a university or other institution, please ask your library to purchase a subscription through one of the traditional subscription agents.
Dale, Angela
Abstract: This paper explores some of the processes that influence access to higher education and employment for Pakistani and Bangladeshi women in Britain. We ask what changes we can expect amongst younger Pakistani and Bangladeshi women who have grown up in the UK? How do we expect educational qualifications and family formation to influence labour market participation amongst these women? What barriers do these women face in obtaining qualifications and paid employment? To what extent are these barriers imposed by the family and community and to what extent are they imposed by the local labour market? We find evidence of change across generations. By contrast with their mothers' generation, younger women who had been educated in the UK saw paid work as a means to independence and self- esteem. Women with higher level qualifications often showed considerable determination in managing to combine paid work and child-care. Whilst most women subscribed strongly to the centrality of the family, it is clear that the majority will follow very different routes through the life-course from their mothers. However, even with higher level qualifications, women are facing considerable barriers to employment. If the expected increase in economic activity amongst Pakistani and Bangladeshi women is not to lead to even higher unemployment, there is a pressing need to ensure that potential employers do not hold negative and out-dated stereotypes of traditional Muslim women.
Ethnicity; gender; employment; unemployment; education, marriage, South Asian; family formation
Restricted Access to Full Text
The full text of articles published in Sociological Research Online is restricted to readers on institutional networks. If you are reading the journal from a university or other institution, please ask your library to purchase a subscription through one of the traditional subscription agents.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Bangladesh Women's Cricket team returns
Bangladesh Women's Cricket team returns
Bangladesh Women's Cricket team, which emerged champions of the first-ever ACC Women's Cricket Tournament, returned Thursday, reports UNB.
BCB vice president Nurul Kabir Shaheen, joint secretary Rafiqul Islam Babu and chairman of BCB women wing Fahima Hossain Jubilee warmly received the victorious women cricketers at the Zia International Airport.
Talking to the reporters, Bangladesh captain Tajkia Akhter said the three-month rigorous preparation before the tournament was the key to their success in the eight-nation meet.
She thanked the BCB for its generous support and said: "We will be able to do well against the big teams if the BCB continue to extend their helping hand in the future as well."
Player of the tournament Panna Ghosh said the best player award gave a boost to "my self-confidence."
Bangladesh beat Nepal by eight wickets in the final on Wednesday to clinch the title of the first Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women's Cricket Tournament with all-win record.
On way to the final, Bangladesh beat Hong Kong by 59 runs in the first semifinal while South Asian country Nepal booked their seat for the final crushing China by nine wickets in the second semis at Johor Cricket Academy on Tuesday.
Earlier, Bangladesh moved to the semifinal, outplaying both the UAE and Singapore by 10 wickets, and beat China by 86 runs in the group matches.
Bangladesh Women's Cricket team, which emerged champions of the first-ever ACC Women's Cricket Tournament, returned Thursday, reports UNB.
BCB vice president Nurul Kabir Shaheen, joint secretary Rafiqul Islam Babu and chairman of BCB women wing Fahima Hossain Jubilee warmly received the victorious women cricketers at the Zia International Airport.
Talking to the reporters, Bangladesh captain Tajkia Akhter said the three-month rigorous preparation before the tournament was the key to their success in the eight-nation meet.
She thanked the BCB for its generous support and said: "We will be able to do well against the big teams if the BCB continue to extend their helping hand in the future as well."
Player of the tournament Panna Ghosh said the best player award gave a boost to "my self-confidence."
Bangladesh beat Nepal by eight wickets in the final on Wednesday to clinch the title of the first Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women's Cricket Tournament with all-win record.
On way to the final, Bangladesh beat Hong Kong by 59 runs in the first semifinal while South Asian country Nepal booked their seat for the final crushing China by nine wickets in the second semis at Johor Cricket Academy on Tuesday.
Earlier, Bangladesh moved to the semifinal, outplaying both the UAE and Singapore by 10 wickets, and beat China by 86 runs in the group matches.
bangladesh village woman
jointly arranged for a 4-day exhibition-cum-sale (2nd-5th May) showcasing various types of handiwork created exclusively by home based women workers and assimilated from all over the country.
V. On June 8th, 2003, BHWA obtained registration as a trade union under the Trade related notification of 1969. This association could now fight for trade union rights on behalf of its member homeworker associations. This was the first time that workers in the informal sector have got Trade Union status in Bangladesh.
VI. On August 30th-31st, BHWA conducted a 2-day workshop on Health, Safety and Social protection issues affecting women homebased workers in Bangladesh. The major concerns listed by the participants include protection from occupational hazards and safe working environment, medical treatment and expenditure reimbursement facilities, social protection measures such as retirement benefits, savings schemes, micro-credit, legal assistance etc. All the above provisions need to be included in the National Policy for Homeworkers.
Association (BHWA) had organized a 2-day Homebased women workers' Handicraft mela. The mela was inaugurated by Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmed, Chairman, NITOL-NILOY Group. His speech on the occasion outlined the excellent quality of the products displayed at the stalls. He stressed on the export potential of these products and said that the need of the hour was to explore the export market for better
V. On June 8th, 2003, BHWA obtained registration as a trade union under the Trade related notification of 1969. This association could now fight for trade union rights on behalf of its member homeworker associations. This was the first time that workers in the informal sector have got Trade Union status in Bangladesh.
VI. On August 30th-31st, BHWA conducted a 2-day workshop on Health, Safety and Social protection issues affecting women homebased workers in Bangladesh. The major concerns listed by the participants include protection from occupational hazards and safe working environment, medical treatment and expenditure reimbursement facilities, social protection measures such as retirement benefits, savings schemes, micro-credit, legal assistance etc. All the above provisions need to be included in the National Policy for Homeworkers.
Association (BHWA) had organized a 2-day Homebased women workers' Handicraft mela. The mela was inaugurated by Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmed, Chairman, NITOL-NILOY Group. His speech on the occasion outlined the excellent quality of the products displayed at the stalls. He stressed on the export potential of these products and said that the need of the hour was to explore the export market for better
BHWA conducted a 2-day Workshop on Homebased Workers
BHWA conducted a 2-day Workshop on Homebased Workers and National Policy in Dhaka on 25th-26th January 2003. Its theme was to devise a mechanism to frame a National Policy on homebased workers. Various aspects of organization, marketing and training were discussed and debated. A few major areas that needed attention were identified.
>> A major improvement is required in government attitude and support for the cause of Homebased workers.
>> There is a need to identify and organize all homebased workers in the country for more efficient sharing of resources and benefits.
>> Memorandum drafted for Labor Ministry to finalize National Policy as soon as possible.
Bangladesh delegates at the BHWA Auditorium in Dhaka. The meeting demanded trade union rights for HBWs, inclusion of HBWs in the Labour code being finalized and provision of state facilities for the Homeworkers. Leaders of different organizations in the country who are part of the HomeNet network took part in the meeting. This meeting also passed draft proposals for the activities to be conducted in the forthcoming year.
III. On 26th April, BHWA organized an information seminar on DRY FLOWERS AND EXTRA INCOME. Ms. Rina Rehman, a training teacher on this subject and a member of BHWA gave a lecture to all the participants. She also gave a demonstration of the process of making these products and how this knowledge can help women improve their status and become a financially independent and self-sufficient individual.
>> A major improvement is required in government attitude and support for the cause of Homebased workers.
>> There is a need to identify and organize all homebased workers in the country for more efficient sharing of resources and benefits.
>> Memorandum drafted for Labor Ministry to finalize National Policy as soon as possible.
Bangladesh delegates at the BHWA Auditorium in Dhaka. The meeting demanded trade union rights for HBWs, inclusion of HBWs in the Labour code being finalized and provision of state facilities for the Homeworkers. Leaders of different organizations in the country who are part of the HomeNet network took part in the meeting. This meeting also passed draft proposals for the activities to be conducted in the forthcoming year.
III. On 26th April, BHWA organized an information seminar on DRY FLOWERS AND EXTRA INCOME. Ms. Rina Rehman, a training teacher on this subject and a member of BHWA gave a lecture to all the participants. She also gave a demonstration of the process of making these products and how this knowledge can help women improve their status and become a financially independent and self-sufficient individual.
Statistics For home-based workers demanded
Statistics For home-based workers demanded
If the government takes some initiatives for the development of the home based workers like inclusion of them into Bangladesh’ Statistics Record and providing policy support they can be self reliant through contributing to the national economy.
It was demanded at a daylong workshop titled Statistics for women home Based workshop at the head office of Sanirvor Bangladesh at Lalmatia in the city on Tuesday.
Bangladesh Homework women Association (BHWA)
And Home net Bangladesh (HNB) arranged the work shop in association with United Nations Development Fund for Women.
Home based workers leader and Secretary of Bangladesh Home workers women Association (BHWA) Dilruba Anguri was present as the chief discussant.
Working president of Bangladesh free Trade Union Congress A A Mukit Khan and trade union leader Bangladesh Nizam, Fazlul Haque and Coordinator
of Home Net Bangladesh Selim Reza also spoke on the occasion.
In his speech, Badruddoza Nizam said “when our neighboring country India has taken some pragmatic initiatives for the development home based workers then our home based workers are lagging behind due to lack of facilities.”
“If we are able to take some in some initiatives especially designed keeping in view the socio economic back ground of the home based workers we can improve in some sectors like reduction of child labour ,” he also said.
Speakers said Bangladesh has been experiencing population sector needs encourage and support so that it can help remove unemployment from the country that is creating a great threat to the development of our socio economic condition.
A total of 45 home based workers leaders across the country and representatives of the governments organization and NGOs and trade union leaders attended the workshop.
Workers who produce products at their homes and favorite places without control of any ownership are called home based workers. BHWA, an NGO is now working country wide with a view to improving socio-economic conditions of home based workers.
If the government takes some initiatives for the development of the home based workers like inclusion of them into Bangladesh’ Statistics Record and providing policy support they can be self reliant through contributing to the national economy.
It was demanded at a daylong workshop titled Statistics for women home Based workshop at the head office of Sanirvor Bangladesh at Lalmatia in the city on Tuesday.
Bangladesh Homework women Association (BHWA)
And Home net Bangladesh (HNB) arranged the work shop in association with United Nations Development Fund for Women.
Home based workers leader and Secretary of Bangladesh Home workers women Association (BHWA) Dilruba Anguri was present as the chief discussant.
Working president of Bangladesh free Trade Union Congress A A Mukit Khan and trade union leader Bangladesh Nizam, Fazlul Haque and Coordinator
of Home Net Bangladesh Selim Reza also spoke on the occasion.
In his speech, Badruddoza Nizam said “when our neighboring country India has taken some pragmatic initiatives for the development home based workers then our home based workers are lagging behind due to lack of facilities.”
“If we are able to take some in some initiatives especially designed keeping in view the socio economic back ground of the home based workers we can improve in some sectors like reduction of child labour ,” he also said.
Speakers said Bangladesh has been experiencing population sector needs encourage and support so that it can help remove unemployment from the country that is creating a great threat to the development of our socio economic condition.
A total of 45 home based workers leaders across the country and representatives of the governments organization and NGOs and trade union leaders attended the workshop.
Workers who produce products at their homes and favorite places without control of any ownership are called home based workers. BHWA, an NGO is now working country wide with a view to improving socio-economic conditions of home based workers.
Home-based workers seek nat'l wage policy
Home-based workers seek nat'l wage policy
Matia Banu is a housewife. She has opted for working as a home-based worker to earn some extra money for her family. Making various types of cakes is her job, a sub-contractual one for which she has been assigned by a city super chain shop. But Matia has been unhappy over the years as she is denied a price fair proportionately with her hard labour and time.
"I work at home during my leisure time, though. Whatever the amount I get as wage is considered as an extra income. But it's not enough because the job is laborious and time-consuming as well," Matia grumbles.
There are thousands of Matias here and there. These home-based workers are often denied fair wages for jobs due to lack of a national wage policy recognising such workers' contribution to the country's economy.
The observation came yesterday at a workshop on Minimum Wages for Home-based Workers at the Swanirbhar Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Women Home-workers Association (BWHA) and Homenet Bangladesh in association with United Nations Development Fund for Women organised the workshop.
Speaking on the occasion, Dilruba Anguri, general secretary of BWHA, quoting the Home Work Convention 1996 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said a person who produces different components of a product or a whole product in his own home for money on a contract is regarded as home worker.
Referring to the Clause 3 in the ILO Convention that laid emphasis on formulation and implementation of national policies for development of the home workers, Dilruba lamented that no government paid any heed to the matter in the last 10 years.
"The need for a national wage policy is urgent because it would help mitigate the deprivation of the home workers, many of whom produce exportable quality goods," she observed.
She demanded the government should ratify the ILO Home Work Convention 1996 to protect the home-based industry.
Touhidur Rahman Rony, president of the Garment Industry Workers Federation, announced at the workshop that a series of programmes would be chalked out to press home a wage security for the home-based workers.
He also made a clarion call to organise dialogues with small entrepreneurs, including Grammen Bank and Aarong, to fix a minimum wage for the home-based workers.
Addressing as the chief guest, Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), asked for ensuring social security, healthcare and facilities for the home-based workers.
He also suggested that adequate opportunities be made for the home workers to participate in different exhibitions and fairs, which might directly help them to get fair prices of their products.
Representatives from different organisations in Gazipur, Tangail, Shirajganj, Barisal, Khulna, Chuadanga and other areas of the country took part in the workshop.
They demanded fixing a category of the home-based works at first before raising the issue of minimum wages.
They also called for forming provident fund for the home-based workers immediately as fixing a minimum wage is a long process.
Badruddoza Nizam, general secretary of Garment Tailors Workers League, Selim Reza, coordinator of Homenet Bangladesh, and Abdul Mukit Khan, president of International Free Trade Union Congress, also spoke on the occasion.
Matia Banu is a housewife. She has opted for working as a home-based worker to earn some extra money for her family. Making various types of cakes is her job, a sub-contractual one for which she has been assigned by a city super chain shop. But Matia has been unhappy over the years as she is denied a price fair proportionately with her hard labour and time.
"I work at home during my leisure time, though. Whatever the amount I get as wage is considered as an extra income. But it's not enough because the job is laborious and time-consuming as well," Matia grumbles.
There are thousands of Matias here and there. These home-based workers are often denied fair wages for jobs due to lack of a national wage policy recognising such workers' contribution to the country's economy.
The observation came yesterday at a workshop on Minimum Wages for Home-based Workers at the Swanirbhar Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Women Home-workers Association (BWHA) and Homenet Bangladesh in association with United Nations Development Fund for Women organised the workshop.
Speaking on the occasion, Dilruba Anguri, general secretary of BWHA, quoting the Home Work Convention 1996 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said a person who produces different components of a product or a whole product in his own home for money on a contract is regarded as home worker.
Referring to the Clause 3 in the ILO Convention that laid emphasis on formulation and implementation of national policies for development of the home workers, Dilruba lamented that no government paid any heed to the matter in the last 10 years.
"The need for a national wage policy is urgent because it would help mitigate the deprivation of the home workers, many of whom produce exportable quality goods," she observed.
She demanded the government should ratify the ILO Home Work Convention 1996 to protect the home-based industry.
Touhidur Rahman Rony, president of the Garment Industry Workers Federation, announced at the workshop that a series of programmes would be chalked out to press home a wage security for the home-based workers.
He also made a clarion call to organise dialogues with small entrepreneurs, including Grammen Bank and Aarong, to fix a minimum wage for the home-based workers.
Addressing as the chief guest, Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), asked for ensuring social security, healthcare and facilities for the home-based workers.
He also suggested that adequate opportunities be made for the home workers to participate in different exhibitions and fairs, which might directly help them to get fair prices of their products.
Representatives from different organisations in Gazipur, Tangail, Shirajganj, Barisal, Khulna, Chuadanga and other areas of the country took part in the workshop.
They demanded fixing a category of the home-based works at first before raising the issue of minimum wages.
They also called for forming provident fund for the home-based workers immediately as fixing a minimum wage is a long process.
Badruddoza Nizam, general secretary of Garment Tailors Workers League, Selim Reza, coordinator of Homenet Bangladesh, and Abdul Mukit Khan, president of International Free Trade Union Congress, also spoke on the occasion.
BANGLADESH WOMEN RECLAIM THEIR RIGHTS
BANGLADESH WOMEN RECLAIM THEIR RIGHTS
context: an estimated 90% of the more than 3,780 export garment factories in Bangladesh violate women's legal right to 3 months full pay maternity leave. Some companies harass and pressure the pregnant women workers to force them to quit. Others give the leave but will only take the women back as new employees. Only a handful of companies in fact pay the benefits. The vast majority of factories simply cheat the women. A couple of eloquent examples:
For the last 8 years, at the Shah Makdhum factory in Bangladesh, young women have been forced to work over 15 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have been denied maternity benefits, been beaten and paid just 15 cents for each $17.99 Disney shirts they sewed. When the women stood up for their rights and denounced the violations, Disney responded by cutting and running, pulling its work from the factory and dumping the women on the street with nothing.
On March 2, 2004, the National Labor Committee (NCL) released a new report about the Disney contractor’s Niagra in Bangladesh: 22 union members demanding their legal overtime pay were beaten, fired, and imprisoned on false charges. The factory requires 19 hour shifts, pays no overtime, and denies maternity leave & benefits.
the campaign: against this background, NLC, the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity (BCWS), and the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) launched a joint campaign to demand that the maternity rights be respected. They are asking Wal-Mart, Disney, Kohls and other companies to sign The Pledge - that any woman in Bangladesh sewing their garments, will be guaranteed her legal right to three months maternity leave with full pay. This campaign is just a start. If it is successful, the campaign will move on to other countries.
maternity benefits cost: some garment workers earn as little as 8 cents an hour, while the top wage for an experienced sewer is just 18 cents an hour. This means the US companies and their suppliers in Bangladesh would be responsible to pay anywhere between $15.76 and $36.44 a month for three months for a grand total of $47.28 to $109.32 in maternity benefits. It is pretty probable that multinationals could afford this! Less than $110 in benefits might not seem like a great deal of money to us, but for mothers earning just eight to 18 cents an hour, and trapped in abject poverty, it is a matter of life and death to them and their infants.
women on the frontline: in Bangladesh, the women are leading this struggle to demand that their right to maternity leave with benefits be respected. They are marching, demonstrating, holding press conferences, distributing flyers in a massive popular education and outreach campaign, writing to all 3,780 export garment factories, pasting up posters on factory walls and meeting with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer Export Association. The three promoters (NLC, BCWS and NHWF) are spearheading this campaign, but new local organisations are joining the effort every day. These women feel they can win - but they need a broader support: multinationals only react when they feel pressure in their marketplace.
take action: NLC has published on its web pages a downloadable model letter to be addressed to the companies asking them to sign The Pledge. Moreover, NLC keeps a running score card highlighting companies that do the right thing and, in the same vein, companies that refuse to respond to do the right thing.
Women in Bangladesh
Available data on health, nutrition, education, and economic performance indicated that in the 1980s the status of women in Bangladesh remained considerably inferior to that of men. Women, in custom and practice, remained subordinate to men in almost all aspects of their lives; greater autonomy was the privilege of the rich or the necessity of the very poor. Most women's lives remained centered on their traditional roles, and they had limited access to markets, productive services, education, health care, and local government. This lack of opportunities contributed to high fertility patterns, which diminished family well-being, contributed to the malnourishment and generally poor health of children, and frustrated educational and other national development goals. In fact, acute poverty at the margin appeared to be hitting hardest at women. As long as women's access to health care, education, and training remained limited, prospects for improved productivity among the female population remained poor.
About 82 percent of women lived in rural areas in the late 1980s. The majority of rural women, perhaps 70 percent, were in small cultivator, tenant, and landless households; many worked as laborers part time or seasonally, usually in post-harvest activities, and received payment in kind or in meager cash wages. Another 20 percent, mostly in poor landless households, depended on casual labor, gleaning, begging, and other irregular sources of income; typically, their income was essential to household survival. The remaining 10 percent of women were in households mainly in the professional, trading, or large-scale landowning categories, and they usually did not work outside the home.
The economic contribution of women was substantial but largely unacknowledged. Women in rural areas were responsible for most of the post-harvest work, which was done in the chula, and for keeping livestock, poultry, and small gardens. Women in cities relied on domestic and traditional jobs, but in the 1980s they increasingly worked in manufacturing jobs, especially in the readymade garment industry. Those with more education worked in government, health care, and teaching, but their numbers remained very small. Continuing high rates of population growth and the declining availability of work based in the chula meant that more women sought employment outside the home. Accordingly, the female labor force participation rate doubled between 1974 and 1984, when it reached nearly 8 percent. Female wage rates in the 1980s were low, typically ranging between 20 and 30 percent of male wage rates.
bangladesh woman
Canon 1Ds Mark II with 70-300mm f/5.6 DO lens at ISI 400
We were on the deck of our boat, moored near a public dock in downtown Dhaka, Bangladesh. A ferry pulled alongside us, and we watched as passengers got on and off. Of course they watched us too (foreigners are quite rare in Bangladesh).
I suppose I may have looked curious to these two woman, but probably no more so than they appeared to me.
Look at the curve of the white metal port that they are standing in, and then look for complimentary curves in the rest of the image; faces, glasses, shawl...
I was doing photography in an abandoned building in the ancient capital of Sonargoran. A parapet on the third floor faced across a narrow street to a building where people were living. This woman was turned, talking to someone else in the room. What drew me, in addition to the muted yet colourful tonalities, were the unanswered questions. Who was she? Who was she talking to? What was this unknown life all about?
I was wandering though the courtyard of a Hindu temple. This woman lived within, part of the caretaker's family. I was photographing some architectural detail, and when I turned around at one point, saw her whipping her long hair though a twisted towel in an almost balletic motion. Pure poerty, and this photograph is my attempt to translate that poem into a visual record.
The Women
The Women
This is one of a series of small portfolios taken from my January, 2005 shoot in Bangladesh.
These photographs will form part of a gallery exhibition in Toronto in March, 2005,
together with a collector's print portfolio, which will be made available at that time.
I selected these three photographs for use here before thinking about what I wanted to say about them. What I realized then was that in each one the woman's faces are either obscured, or turned away.
This wasn't intentional, and I certainly took quite a few straightforward photographs of woman's faces while in Bangladesh. I also found that everyone there, including woman, were quite open to having their photographs taken. More often than not it was hard to prevent them from smiling or waving, rather than have them put off by being the subject of one of my candid moments.
So why did I select these three images?
I think because of their enigmatic character. In each of these photographs we are presented with a bit of a mystery. Who are these people? What are they doing? And, why? It's that characteristic that can make photographs of people most appealing, and I've explored this aspect of photographing people here on
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