A research by ETI-GIZ-Brac University has revealed that female workers in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry are decreasing.
“In 2018 this number further decreased to 60.5% (UN Women). The latest ETI-GIZ-BRAC University study shows that this number has decreased further. In 2021, the number of women workers reached 53.65 percent”, said in a concept paper, based on the study, which was placed in an online discussion meeting.
Gender Platform Bangladesh organised the event titled: 'Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls and Need for Appropriate Laws' was also addressed, among others, by lawmakers Shireen Akhtar, Shamsunnahar Bhuiyan, Dr. Tania Tak, Professor, University of Dhaka, Shammin Sangsad, Hazera Khatun, Ayesha Siddiqui, and Rosanna Chaidhuri.
The concept paper was presented by executive director of Bangladesh Labour Foundation AKM Ashraf Uddin while National Women Lawyers Association president Salma Ali made the welcome address.
Referring to the BGMEA, it was said in the concept paper that the decreasing trend continues. For example, it said, in 1980, the number of women workers was 80 percent of the total employed workers. In 2005, the number of women workers decreased to 70 percent of the total workforce.
The speakers said female workers are leaving their jobs every year as there are more men than women among the new recruits. The female dropout rate was 48.86% in 2015.
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In 2021, the number increased to 50.63 percent. Research has shown that a safe and dignified work environment free from gender-based violence, sexual harassment and torture has been identified as one of the conditions for the survival of women workers.
Shammin Sultana, Gender Specialist, ILO Bangladesh, said, “Sexual harassment is a big issue among workplace violence and harassment."
"As long as this kind of workplace violence persists, we cannot ensure a decent work environment. And the development of the country is not possible if a decent working environment is not ensured," she said.
She also said that employers should take appropriate steps to ensure that workers can raise their complaints about sexual harassment without fear.
Dr. Tanya Haque, Professor, Dhaka University, said it is very important to clarify the calculation of how much the society will benefit if there is no violence, if there is no violence against women.
"It is ingrained in our culture not to speak up or protest when harassment occurs. Everyone should come out of this mentality," she said.
Ayesha Siddiqui, Deputy Director, Planning Department, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, said that to free women from violence, women must be economically independent.
“Child marriage is a major cause of violence against women. So, to free women from violence, child marriage must be stopped”.
Rajekuzzaman Ratan, President, Samajtantrik Sramik Front, said, “Women should be made aware of ILO Convention through campaigns, rallies and day celebrations in industries and educational institutions. Freedom of movement of women should be ensured."
There should be a change in mentality through social movements and women's work should be dignified, he noted.
Hajera Khatun, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said that to prevent violence against women, the government, private and civil society should make strong demands through campaigns.
“Be aware when using social media. Public and private level campaigns on cyber bullying should be increased. Apart from opening a helpline for domestic workers, protection cells should be created for working women”.
In view of the fact that the provision given by the High Court regarding having two experienced members from outside the organisation in the grievance committee was not included in the Labour Rules 2022, he said that the amendment is an ongoing process.
"We will work on it in the next revision," she said.