Speakers call for safer workplaces, gender justice for women in RMG sector

Speakers at an event today (22 December) stressed the urgent need for safe, discrimination-free workplaces and effective grievance redressal mechanisms for women in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

They also underscored the importance of ensuring maternity leave wages and providing secure transportation for female workers, reads a press release.

Photo: Courtesy

They pointed out that despite the economic empowerment gained through formal employment in the RMG sector, women workers remain vulnerable to violence, including sexual harassment, both at the workplace and during their commutes.

Amid these concerns, the Shojag Coalition, in collaboration with the European Union, hosted an event titled "Learning Together: A Gender Justice Journey", at BRAC INN, Dhaka.

The event, organised under the project "Promoting Gender Justice for Women Workers in the Ready-Made Garment Sector," brought together diverse stakeholders, including employers and buyers, representatives from NGOs and INGOs, UN officials, workers' rights-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), representatives from BGMEA and BKMEA, trade union members, and media.

Speakers highlighted that the RMG sector has been a driving force behind Bangladesh's economic growth, accounting for 83% of export revenue and employing 2.59 million workers, with 57% of them being women.

At the event, Taposh Barua, program manager at Ethical Trading Limited, shared that many factories address grievances verbally and avoid documenting complaints, fearing adverse audit outcomes.

Anindita Ghosh, senior program officer at Solidarity Center, pointed out that a lack of automation training for women and the absence of childcare facilities are contributing to the declining number of women in RMG factories.

Mohammad Maruf Hosain, deputy manager at ActionAid, said, "Women primarily occupy sewing operator roles, with few advancing to mid-level management. He also highlighted the dismissal of women workers aged over 35 as a widespread issue."

Sunzida Sultana, executive director of Kormojibi Nari, explained how labour law amendments and the High Court verdict on workplace harassment (2009) have created legal avenues to address gender-based violence (GBV).

"The ILO's Occupational Safety and Health guidelines now incorporate GBV, providing new opportunities for systemic change," she added.

Laila Jasmin Banu, program manager at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, reiterated the EU's commitment to promoting gender justice through funded projects and the application of best practices for future initiatives.

Nuzhat Jabin, country director of Christian Aid Bangladesh, emphasised the need for combined efforts at both factory and community levels to address GBV.

She stressed that the challenges faced by gender-diverse communities also demand attention and resolution.