Can working moms mend the daycare crisis?

Working women are not separate from their families or society; they are integral to both. Like other women, they share the responsibility of caring for their families while also raising their children.

However, managing professional responsibilities alongside childcare can often be difficult. Because of job commitments and long working hours, many mothers are unable to keep constant watch over their children. In this situation, daycare centres become an important support system for working mothers, allowing them to leave their children in a safe place while focusing on their work.

Daycare centres are not only helpful for parents but are also important for a child's development. Spending time with other children helps a child gradually learn social skills. At daycare centres, children usually eat together, study, and play with their peers. These everyday interactions support their mental and social development. Children also need companionship and interaction, which they often miss when their mothers are away at work.

Despite this growing need, the number of daycare centres in the country remains limited. As a result, many working mothers struggle to find reliable childcare. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that around 65% of working mothers have children, compared to only 10% in 1960 (DW report, 2013).

Yet the number of daycare centres is still far from sufficient. According to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, 119 children's daycare centres are currently operating under national revenue and project financing. In addition, the Ministry of Social Welfare runs 20 daycare centres.

In Gazipur, UNICEF operates six daycare centres for the children of women working in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. However, these facilities are too few to meet the growing demand. Moreover, the infrastructure and overall environment of many centres remain inadequate.

How does this scarcity affect women's careers?

The lack of daycare centres and the pressures of motherhood often force women to give up their careers.

Nearly 75% of women who take career breaks ultimately leave their jobs due to motherhood and family responsibilities, according to data shared by BRAC.

Many working women are compelled to set aside their career ambitions as the responsibilities and emotional pull of motherhood take priority.

Does maternity leave help?

The government provides maternity leave for women workers. However, it is often not sufficient.

According to the rules and regulations of the Bangladesh government, the working hours for both men and women are the same — eight hours. In the private sector, the RMG sector, and other industries, working hours often exceed eight hours.

Under the "Bangladesh Civil Service Rules 2018," a woman government employee receives six months of maternity leave. In contrast, under the "Labour Act 2006," women in the private sector receive four months of maternity leave. However, in the RMG sector and many other industries, even this provision is not always properly implemented.

After completing maternity leave, many working women have no choice but to leave their young children with family members before returning to work. However, this option is not always available. In many cases, mothers are forced to rely on neighbours or domestic helpers to look after their babies, as most workplaces still lack adequate daycare facilities.

As a result, working mothers often remain separated from their children for more than eight hours a day. This long separation creates both emotional stress and practical difficulties for mothers who are trying to balance professional responsibilities with childcare.

For many women, managing both roles becomes extremely challenging. Without reliable childcare support during working hours, some mothers eventually feel compelled to reduce their working hours or even leave their jobs altogether.

Can daycare policies solve this problem?

Although there are some policies in the country regarding this issue, they have not been very effective in supporting working women.

For example, the "Child Day Care Center Act 2021" emphasises establishing daycare centres in public, semi-public, autonomous, and private institutions.

In addition, Article 98(1.2) of the "Bangladesh Labour Act 2006" states that every institution employing more than 40 women should have a room functioning as a daycare centre.

In reality, however, these policies are not properly implemented across Bangladesh.

This year on International Women's Day, the theme, "Give To Gain," underscores the importance of mutual support and collective progress.

A key supporting factor especially for young women and working moms is curating a safe space for them and their families. 

As the theme encourages acts of giving in many forms, including donations, sharing knowledge, providing resources and infrastructure, offering visibility and advocacy, and supporting women through education, training, mentoring, equal pay, justice, opportunities, safety and time, we must acknowledge the importance of childcare for a working mom.

International Women's Day notes that empowering women contributes to broader social progress.

As it states, "Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise."

Why do mothers avoid daycare centres?

Daycare centres are often very costly worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. Many working mothers do not wish to spend a large portion of their income on childcare. This is particularly true in the RMG sector, where workers receive low wages. For them, paying for daycare can seem impossible.

In addition, some daycare centres in Bangladesh are criticised for unethical practices. Reports suggest that some centres provide low-quality food and medicine for children.

Shockingly, according to some media reports, certain centres have even used sleeping pills to keep children asleep so that caregiving becomes easier.

Considering all these issues, the lack and poor conditions of daycare centres in the country often force mothers to quit their careers in order to prioritise childcare.

Let's ask ourselves, even when daycare centres are available near workplaces, why do women hesitate to send their children there?

Most importantly, let's ask ourselves, why must women sacrifice their careers to acquire a service that benefits not just her but a child and entire communities?