Economists, experts and labour leaders at a programme on Wednesday stressed the need for ensuring women-friendly workplace environment to engage half of the population of the country in the economic activities.
They said that female participation in managerial positions in the economy was also very limited compared with the gross level due to a biased mindset in society.
Though the government has offered several supports to boost equal female engagement but mindset of both male and female is a stigma, they said.
They also said women held only 4 per cent of chief executive officer or other executive level positions in Bangladesh.
The Centre for Policy Dialogue organised the programme titled, ‘Break the Bias for a Gender Equal World’ marking the International Women’s Day in Dhaka.
Former caretaker government adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, also the chairperson of BRAC Bangladesh board, as special guest said, ‘We should break social biasness and perceptions in our society.’
He stressed formulation of several policies to boost female participation in the economy.
CPD executive director Fahmida Khatun moderated the event.
She said, ‘To achieve the actual economic growth of the country, we should ensure an equal environment for women entrepreneurs in our society.’
Though participation of women together with men in the economy is remarkable, women are sacrificing a lot to establish their rights in society, she said.
She also suggested that the government should raise the budget allocation for women.
CPD distinguished fellow Rounaq Jahan chaired the programme.
She said that the female workers’ working hours were eight hours, but they were getting less wages compared with what male workers were receiving.
She said that reform in existing laws could help improve the scenario.
Bangladesh Garments Sramik Sanghati president Taslima Akter Lima said that female workers in the country were still facing discrimination at workplaces.
She said that in many cases, female workers expressed unwillingness to become a manager as they would not get overtime compensation for additional work.
Sometimes they face security problems while working and returning home at night, she said.
She hopes that only a change in mindset can ensure a safe workplace for women.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde said that her government was introducing the concepts of equal rights for women and working on establishing the women’s rights across the world.
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry director and managing director of Apex Footwear Limited Syed Nasim Manzur said that though the government had offered facilities for equal rights of women but due to social biasness, it was too difficult to ensure the equity.
Denmark’s ambassador to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup and Hydroquo+ Bangladesh Ltd co-founder Rizvana Hredita also attended the event as distinguished speakers.