Budget FY26: Necessary steps to be taken to include homemaker services in GDP
The finance minister says such an important role was underestimated
In an announcement lauded by different quarters, Finance Minister Salehuddin Ahmed committed to formally recognise women's unpaid care work in the GDP.
Unveiling the budget today (2 June), he said, "There are many women in our country who dedicate their time as homemakers. Although there is no scope currently for the inclusion of their services in the GDP due to systemic reasons, it is undeniable that due to their silent and relentless efforts, the house where the working people return at the end of the day is becoming the nest of peace where our children grow up safely."
The finance minister added that such an important role was underestimated.
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"In the future, necessary steps will be taken to add their contribution to GDP based on financial criteria," he added.
In a reaction, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) extended its heartiest congratulations and deep appreciation to the finance adviser for the commitment.
MJF's Executive Director, Shaheen Anam, said in a statement that recognising women's household and care work in the national budget is crucial for achieving inclusive economic growth and gender equality in Bangladesh. "Traditional economic indicators often render women's significant contributions through unpaid domestic labour virtually invisible."
A Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) survey commissioned by MJF states, the value of unpaid care work is 2.5 to 2.9 times higher than women's income from paid labour.
