WOMEN AND EMPLOYMENT 

March 2013

Women’s employment plays a significant role in the socio-economic progress in any country. To achieve sustainable development, women’s enrollment in economic activities is urgently needed. Participation of women in the labour force can change the dynamics of the entire labour market. In Bangladesh, the economic contribution of women is substantial but they are not largely acknowledged. To steer up the economy of the country towards growth and development, women involvement in labour market is urgently needed. Moreover, the employment status of women in Bangladesh is still lower than that of the expected level. Gender equality and empowerment of women is one of the major targets of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as pursued by the government of Bangladesh. The mainstream economic activities of women can empower and reduce their inequality. Economic opportunity allows women to be independent and lead their lives with dignity. Unfortunately, women do not have the same job opportunities in their working age compared to men. A common scenario is that women are often steered into low payment and less desirable jobs for which they may suffer for their entire lives.

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WOMEN AND POVERTY 

March 2013

In spite of substantial progresses in the reduction of poverty in Bangladesh, a number of women are still living in poor conditions. Poverty is not conveniently means as an attribute of a fixed group, but rather as a risk experiencing condition for all vulnerable people i.e. women and child (Sundaram, 2012). A large number of women are suffering from the imprecation of poverty. Therefore, poverty reduction for women is still a concerning challenge for the government. It is quite evident that if women are able to earn more from their work, then the incidence of poverty would be declined. Poor women have less capacity to adjust with different socio-economic, cultural and environmental trajectories as well as more susceptible to health hazards and worsening nutritional situation. Their access in different sectors is largely affected by the traditional sociocultural and religious system. The situation is changing now and women are moving forwards towards the development. A large portion of women, however, are still suffering from the severity of poverty.

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WOMEN AND EDUCATION 

March 2013

Women education has received widespread attention in the recent development discourse. It has already been reflected in the various educational policies and programmes related to women of the state. Though some progresses have made in the women education over the years, outcomes are still unsatisfactory. Due to the ancient and traditional mentality, women are less educated even now than their counterparts. There are, however, some improvements in women’s education which have mostly occurred due to several income assistance programmes such as the budgetary allocation of government for the women, free primary education, massive stipend programmes as well as food for education programmes.

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Women and Health 

March 2013

The health status of women is an important concern as in many societies, most of the time women are found in a disadvantageous state by discrimination rooted by the socio-cultural factors. Like many other parts of the world, women in Bangladesh are relatively disadvantageous in terms of their economic, social and health conditions. Millions of women are experiencing poor health conditions as well as various forms of malnutrition. Although, men and women have some similar challenges regarding health facilities in Bangladesh, women are generally being deprived of getting such facilities. Their health needs, insurance options, usage of health care services etc. are shaped by an ample range of factors including their age, income, race and ethnicity, level of education, family structure, employment status, etc. Therefore in most of the cases, women have to struggle with poor health by facing considerable economic and social barriers in obtaining healthcare. Over the past decades, much progress has been made in the health status of women. In Bangladesh, however, these advancements are overridden by gender-based discrimination. Moreover, women are generally live longer than their male counterparts but with a poorer health condition. Again, some health challenges have a different impact on women compared to men which also creates difficulties to get proper healthcare when they need. Furthermore, gender inequalities, indifferent segments like education, income, employment etc. minimizes the ability of women to protect their health.

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