Based on the 2023 data from the Export Promotion Bureau, the apparel sector is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy, contributing significantly to exports (84.5%) and employing more than 40 lakh workers, with 60% being women.
Despite their pivotal role, women in this industry face challenges in implementing their rights, exacerbated by market competition and the impact of automation, raising concerns about potential job losses.
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The need for a comprehensive examination of women's rights and well-being in Bangladesh's apparel industry is highlighted, emphasizing a focus on improving health, financial inclusion, and skills development for sustainable growth.
A recent dialogue organized by the country’s leading management consulting firm 'Lightcastle Partners' and 'Policy Exchange Bangladesh' addressed these issues and presented actions and recommendations for women workers' welfare in the garment industry, said a media release on Thursday.
The dialogue titled 'Embracing Wellbeing: Nurturing the Future of Apparel Workers in the Industry' was held at a hotel in Gulshan in the capital on Thursday, providing a platform for discussions on enhancing the well-being and future prospects of workers in the apparel industry.
The event was held to highlight the actions and recommendations for ensuring women workers' welfare for the sustainable development of the garment industry.
To ensure the sustainable growth of the industry, a collective effort is required to boost the productivity and well-being of workers, as emphasized during a dialogue attended by stakeholders in the garment sector, it reads.
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The strategy involves a dedicated focus on enhancing the health of women workers, promoting financial inclusion, and facilitating skills development to align with the evolving landscape of the industry. Experts made these remarks, underlining the significance of a comprehensive approach to establish a resilient and equitable environment for women in the apparel sector.
During the event, notable figures such as Md Selim Hossen, Deputy Secretary of the Commerce Ministry, Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, Zahedul Amin, Co-Founder and Director of Lightcastle Partners, Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative of the Asia Foundation, Ainee Islam, Director of Programme Development at The Asia Foundation, Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, Professor at the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, Dr. Mehruna Islam Chowdhury, Business and Human Rights Specialist at UNDP Bangladesh; Asif Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of New Age Group, Md Fazlul Hoque, Managing Director of Plummy Fashion, and Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), among others, shared their insights.
The speakers acknowledged commendable initiatives by some factory owners for the welfare of women workers, though highlighting that a significant portion of owners has not proactively taken steps to enhance worker well-being.
The insights presented at the event were derived from the report titled 'Threads of Progress: A Comprehensive Landscape Study of the Apparel Industry and the Future of Women Workers,' a collaborative effort between LightCastle Partners and Policy Exchange.
Despite the sector's pivotal role in the country's economy, there is a notable gap in upskilling and reskilling initiatives for women workers, coupled with a neglect of worker well-being programs.
