Social barriers hindrance to women’s participation: study
Discriminatory attitude towards female workers and social barrier are the major reasons behind lack of women’s participation in trade union activities in the country, a study has found.
Bangladesh Labour Institute (Bashi), a non-government labour welfare organisation, conducted the study through interviewing labourers [both male and female] and trade union leaders in Dhaka’s Mirpur, Kalyanpur and Savar areas earlier this year.
Analysing data of 20 labour associations, the study finds that only 15 percent members of the associations are women, although the country has a big female workforce, particularly in the readymade garment sector.
As active trade unions help ensure labour rights, the low participation may put the female workers at a risk of self-security, sextual harassment and violence, it says.
The findings were unveiled at a discussion organised by Bangladesh Labour Institute at Moni Singh-Farhad Memorial Trust Bhaban in the capital yesterday.
During interviews, most female workers said they face various barriers from their family and society to participate in trade union activities, like meetings, rallies and processions -- which mostly takes place far away from their homes.
Those who somehow manage to remain active, face discrimination at their own associations, according to the study report.
In most cases, their male counterparts claim the top posts of the associations and do not accept opinions of female members.
Some women even alleged that they were sexually harassed by male members of the associations, said the report.
To overcome the situation, the study suggested to bring a change to the social system.
It also urged men to change their mindset towards female workers.
Speaking at the discussion, Bangladesh Labour Institute Trustee Board Chairman Shah Atiul Islam said, “The patriarchal mindset exists everywhere in our society, which is the reason behind the current situation.”
A decent environment -- booth at workplace and in the associations -- have to be ensured to increase women’s participation in the trade union activities, he added.
Jahangirnagar University (JU) Associate Professor Mahmudul H Sumon and Bangladesh Trade Union Centre President Shahidullah Chowdhury, among others, also spoke at the programme.
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