Recognising women’s unpaid work in budget a historic move: MJF
The finance adviser announced that formal recognition will be accorded by including women’s unpaid care work in the GDP.
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) extends heartiest congratulations and deep appreciation to the finance adviser for committing to accord formal recognition to women's unpaid care work during his budget speech 2025–2026.
The adviser, in his FY26 budget speech today (2 June), announced that formal recognition will be accorded by including women's unpaid care work in the GDP.
Responding to the announcement, 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."
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She said the declaration in the budget speech to determine the value of this work and incorporate it into national income or GDP is a historic step. It can be done through the satellite account.
"This recognition will enhance the dignity of women, change negative attitude towards them and ensure their participation in decision-making, which will ultimately help reduce violence against them both at home and in society," Anam added.
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.
MJF says it believes that recognising this work is a step toward equal rights and the advancement of women, and will ultimately support Bangladesh's efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). "The implementation of this budgetary announcement will take Bangladesh a step closer to building an inclusive, just, and equitable society."
