Experts call for stronger strategies to boost women’s workforce participation in Cox’s Bazar
Speakers stressed the importance of gender-sensitive policies, recognising “gender champions” in workplaces, and ensuring timely responses to complaints from women workers
At an advocacy dialogue yesterday (23 September) on "Increasing Women's Participation in the Formal and Informal Sectors," experts called for stronger strategies to address barriers women face in the workforce.
Held at a local hotel in Cox's Bazar, the event highlighted the need for safe and inclusive working environments, including clean sanitary facilities and women-friendly infrastructure in the district's markets and hospitality sector. Speakers stressed the importance of gender-sensitive policies, recognising "gender champions" in workplaces, and ensuring timely responses to complaints from women workers.
Masuma Billah, Head of BRAC's Gender Justice and Diversity Programme, presented survey findings showing that despite ample opportunities in markets and hospitality, women's participation remains low, with nearly 50% leaving jobs due to workplace challenges. She emphasised that greater inclusion of women could yield significant economic benefits.
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Kazi Roushan Ara, Head of BRAC's Skills Development Programme, noted that these measures would not only support women's employment but also strengthen local economic growth. Fokhrul Alam, ISEC Project Lead, outlined initiatives to empower women and youth through skills training and entrepreneurship programs.
Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, stressed that women's active participation is essential for Cox's Bazar to meet international tourism standards, while Md Jasim Uddin, Additional Superintendent of Police, highlighted the critical role of security in sustaining both women's workforce participation and tourism development.
Attended by over 50 government officials, business leaders, women entrepreneurs, and development partners, the dialogue concluded with a call for coordinated action across public and private sectors to remove barriers, increase women's participation, and foster inclusive economic growth.
The event was organised under BRAC's Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth (ISEC) project, in collaboration with the ILO and UNDP, with support from Global Affairs Canada.
