World Bank, SANEM engage youths to examine women’s workforce barriers
The #ClearHerPath University Quiz Competition – Bangladesh Chapter was held at the Sheraton Dhaka on 20 May 2026, bringing together students, development professionals, and policy experts to discuss women's economic participation and barriers to female labour force engagement.
Organised by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) in partnership with the World Bank and South Asian Economics Students' Meet, and supported by the Economics Study Centre, University of Dhaka, the event forms part of the World Bank's #ClearHerPath initiative.
Approximately 200 students from diverse academic backgrounds and universities across Bangladesh participated in the #ClearHerPath University Quiz Competition – Bangladesh Chapter, convened at the Sheraton Dhaka on 20 May 2026.
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Dr Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM and Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka, delivered the welcome address.
He highlighted the enduring challenges in women's labour force participation in Bangladesh and across South Asia, underscoring the need for evidence-based dialogue and greater awareness of gender inclusion and economic empowerment.
Dr Raihan noted that South Asia's female labour force participation rate has stagnated at around 33% despite two decades of economic growth. He encouraged participants to actively engage with these issues and expressed hope that the initiative would inspire the next generation to build a more inclusive future.
Shrayana Bhattacharya, Senior Social Protection Specialist at The World Bank Bangladesh, presented a keynote titled "Female Labour Force Participation in Bangladesh and South Asia: What, Why, and How?"
She highlighted persistent gender gaps in labour force participation across South Asia, despite sustained economic growth. Her remarks addressed marriage penalties, unpaid care responsibilities, urban–rural disparities, transport and housing constraints, and the under-recognition of women's work in official statistics.
She noted that 66% of women's work in the region is unpaid, compared to just 11% for men.
She also emphasised the need for investment in girls' education, inclusive workplaces, childcare facilities, and gender-sensitive policy interventions to enhance women's economic participation.
Students participated in a question-and-answer session following the keynote.
Kamrul Hossain Shuvo, Implementation Manager at RISE, served as quiz master for the competition.
The jury board, responsible for evaluating the competition and selecting winners, was chaired by Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Leader at UNDP Bangladesh, and included Dr Nazmus Sadat Khan, Senior Economist at The World Bank Bangladesh; Israt Hossain, Director at SANEM; and Shadlee Rahman, Country Economist at International Growth Centre Bangladesh.
The five finalist teams included students from the University of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University, BRAC University, North South University, East West University, and Bangladesh University of Professionals.
Through a competitive selection process featuring "Read the Room" and 30-second video-making rounds, 177 teams from across the country were narrowed down to five finalist teams representing the University of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University, BRAC University, North South University, East West University, and Bangladesh University of Professionals.
The final event comprised several quiz rounds, including Rankings, Jeopardy, Deep Think, and Rapid Response, focused on women's labour force participation, economic inclusion, gender disparities, and evidence-based policy in Bangladesh and South Asia.
Jury members shared observations on the competition and emphasised the importance of youth engagement in advancing gender inclusion and women's economic participation.
They highlighted challenges, including the unequal distribution of unpaid work, the dual burden of employment and caregiving for women, and broader societal barriers that hinder women's workforce participation.
The jury also discussed how increased female labour force participation can boost GDP growth, reduce inequality, and drive long-term economic progress.
Zubayer Hossen, Programme Director at SANEM and Coordinator of the #ClearHerPath Quiz Competition, delivered the vote of thanks.
The University of Dhaka team emerged as the competition's champion.
Participants concluded the event with an award ceremony and a photo session.
