Will automation sew up opportunities for women in Bangladesh’s garment industry?

In the bustling garment factories of Bangladesh, where the hum of sewing machines has long been the soundtrack of economic progress, a quiet revolution is brewing. Machines are poised to take over the sewing lines, and for over four million workers—most of them women—this is not a distant sci-fi scenario. It is a reality knocking at the door. The ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the lifeblood of Bangladesh's economy, contributes over $30 billion in exports annually (BGMEA, 2023). But as automation sweeps through the industry, it threatens to unravel the livelihoods of thousands of women who have powered this success story. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is here, and it brings with it a critical question: Will progress leave women behind, or will it stitch together a more inclusive and resilient future?

The human cost of automation

For decades, women have been the backbone of Bangladesh's garment industry, stitching clothes for global brands. However, automation is set to replace many of these low-skill jobs, leaving workers vulnerable. Without proper training and support, thousands of women could find themselves pushed out of the workforce. The industry's progress risks becoming a story of exploitation unless it invests in skill-building programmes that empower women to adapt and thrive.

Automation as an opportunity

Automation does not have to be a threat. With the right planning, it can be a powerful tool for equality for women garment workers. Imagine a future where women are trained in digital skills, machine operations, and quality control, moving into technical and leadership roles. Initiatives like Shimmy Technologies Inc.'s digital literacy training are already showing how workers can adapt to a tech-driven industry. Scaling up such programmes could transform automation from a looming crisis into a gateway for women's advancement.

The hidden burden on women

The challenges do not end at the factory gate. Women in the garment industry juggle paid work with unpaid household responsibilities. Without policies that support working mothers—like subsidised childcare, affordable housing near factories, and better healthcare—automation would not lead to true economic empowerment. These are not luxuries; they're necessities for ensuring women can stay in the workforce as the industry evolves.

More women in leadership

Women make up the majority of the garment workforce, yet they are conspicuously absent from leadership roles. Without a seat at the table, their voices are missing from decisions about the industry's future. Leadership training and mentorship programmes must become a priority, ensuring women have a say in shaping the sector's transformation.

Oporajita: A beacon of hope

Enter Oporajita, a collective impact initiative that is tackling these challenges head-on. Funded by the H&M Foundation, Sweden and COS, supported by The Asia Foundation and a coalition of organisations—including CARE Bangladesh, WaterAid, Save the Children, and Shimmy Technologies—Oporajita is empowering women in the RMG sector through skills development, financial inclusion, and leadership training. By helping women build sustainable careers and adapt to industry changes, Oporajita is breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive future.

The role of global brands

International fashion brands hold immense power over supplier factories. If they demand inclusive policies and training programmes, they can drive positive change across the industry. Brands that profit from Bangladesh's workforce have a responsibility to ensure the women in their supply chains are not left behind as technology advances.

Data-driven policies for a fair transition

A smooth transition to 4IR requires policies grounded in solid data. Development organisations must study how automation affects men and women differently and advocate for policies that help workers adapt to new job demands.

Working together for change

The challenges of 4IR cannot be solved in isolation. Governments, NGOs, industry leaders, and global brands must collaborate to close the pay gap, fight discrimination, and improve women's access to financial resources. Programmes supported by the H&M Foundation and local NGOs demonstrate that collaborative solutions can make a real difference. Expanding these efforts will help build a stronger, more inclusive garment industry.

Bangladesh can lead the way

Bangladesh has already proven its resilience by becoming the world's second-largest garment producer (World Bank, 2023). Investing in inclusive policies and technology-based training can set a global example of how to balance industrial progress with workers' rights.

As the industry stands at this crossroads, the question remains: Will automation deepen inequality, or will it redefine women's roles for the better? The answer will shape not just the future of the RMG sector, but the future of Bangladesh itself. The time to act is now—before the machines take over without a plan for the women who have powered this industry for decades.

Kashfia Kayes, Communication and Outreach Lead at The Asia Foundation

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.