Bangladesh’s Garment Sector: Decline In Women Workers Poses Challenge

The proportion of women workers in Bangladesh’s garment sector has fallen significantly, from 80% in 1980 to 53.7% by 2021, according to the BGMEA. Women aged 18-35 are increasingly leaving the industry for alternative professions like agriculture, domestic work or tailoring.

Key factors driving this decline include factory unrest, inadequate wages and the desire for independent work. This poses a major challenge for the sector, which contributes 10.35% to the national GDP and employs over 4 million workers.

To address these challenges, experts at the “Bunon 2030” event emphasized the need for women-friendly work environments, fair wages and health services. The event, organized by LightCastle Partners and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, presented a roadmap for sustainable growth, including strategies to tackle decarbonization, automation and Bangladesh’s LDC graduation.

Speakers stressed aligning with EU regulations and achieving GSP Plus targets to maintain global competitiveness. Without urgent reforms, the garment sector risks losing its pivotal role in the country’s economy.