Women's labor force participation in Bangladesh has reached nearly 39 percent, up from 27 percent a decade ago, but gender-based wage disparities persist across all sectors, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey 2024. Women earn an average of 12,600 taka monthly compared to men's 16,000 taka, despite laws mandating equal pay for equal work.
The garment industry employs the largest share of working women, but studies show female workers earn 22 to 30 percent less than their male counterparts in identical roles. Women also perform an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes of unpaid household labor daily, compared to 2 hours and 20 minutes for men. This unrecognized contribution would account for nearly one-quarter of the national GDP if formally measured.
Female unemployment among graduates stands at 29 percent, more than double the 12 percent rate for men. Experts argue that recognizing unpaid care work in economic data would enable more effective policy development. Government advisers say the survey will inform gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and social programs.
The garment industry employs the largest share of working women, but studies show female workers earn 22 to 30 percent less than their male counterparts in identical roles. Women also perform an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes of unpaid household labor daily, compared to 2 hours and 20 minutes for men. This unrecognized contribution would account for nearly one-quarter of the national GDP if formally measured.
Female unemployment among graduates stands at 29 percent, more than double the 12 percent rate for men. Experts argue that recognizing unpaid care work in economic data would enable more effective policy development. Government advisers say the survey will inform gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and social programs.
