31pc working women experienced physical violence: study

Women in eight districts of Bangladesh, particularly those who have low-paying jobs, face multiple challenges at workplaces, including poor working conditions, low wages, and violence, revealed a new study.

The study was conducted over three months in 2022, covering 1,507 women from four divisions: Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Khulna.

Presented yesterday at a dialogue organised by OXFAM Bangladesh in the capital, the study found that 75 percent of live-out domestic workers lived in slums with only one room for living quarters.

Furthermore, 81 percent of women workers had poor physiological conditions, and only 1 percent received paid maternity leave. Additionally, 76 percent did not receive social security support at work.

The study found that 72 percent of women workers faced "mental violence", with 74 percent facing verbal abuse, 31 percent experiencing physical violence, and 6 percent sexual violence.

The dialogue featured women from various professions, including Rahima Begum, a domestic worker from Chattogram, who described how she worked 18 hours a day for just Tk 1,500 and suffered verbal abuse from colleagues.

Helena Begum, a fisher from Patuakhali, also spoke, describing the difficulties she faced when her husband was away at sea and the lack of recognition for women in her profession.

Women domestic workers, tea-garden workers, home-based workers, and fisherfolk women workers faced various challenges related to their salaries, lack of nutritious food, fair leave and bonus facilities, and other difficulties, according to the study.

The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers and employers to address these issues and ensure that women have access to safe and fair working conditions. Women's organisations from all sectors must come together to work towards creating a more inclusive society that ensures equal rights for women, said lawmaker Lutfun Nessa Khan.

She emphasised the importance of raising awareness about legal protections for women workers and managing activities to ensure their rights are safeguarded.

The study -- conducted over three months in 2022, covering 1,507 women from Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Khulna divisions -- found that 75 percent of domestic workers lived in slums with only one room for living quarters.

Shirin Akhter, lawmaker and chief guest at the event, emphasised the importance of success stories and leadership roles of women in society, in addition to highlighting their struggles. Women must be given opportunities to participate actively in decision-making processes, including leading their trade unions, to ensure that their rights are protected and upheld.

"Education is also essential in promoting gender equality and empowering women to realise their full potential," she added.

Gita Rani Ghosh, deputy director at the National Skills Development Authority, said the government is taking steps to train women workers in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services.

Shah Mohammad Abu Zafar, a former lawmaker, drew attention to the issue of setting the minimum wage for workers at Tk 20,000, emphasising that women workers' salaries must be increased to ensure a decent standard of living for them and their families.

OXFAM Country Director Ashish Damle presided over the programme, while around a dozen workers and leaders spoke at the discussion.