Skilled women garment workers vital for LDC transition

The number of skilled women workers in Bangladesh's garment sector has been steadily decreasing over the years. 

According to recent data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), women accounted for 80% of the workforce in this sector in 1980, but that number has dropped to 53.7% by 2021. 

This decline is primarily observed among workers aged 18 to 35, with many leaving the industry once they reach the age of 35 to pursue alternative professions, including agriculture, domestic work, or operating their own tailoring businesses.

This shift is driven by several factors, including unrest in factories, the hope of earning higher wages, and the desire for more independent work. 

However, this trend poses a significant risk to the garment sector, which is a key driver of the country's export revenue. The lack of skilled workers could lead to stagnation in the industry.

To reverse this trend, it is essential to create a safe, women-friendly working environment, protect workers' rights, ensure timely and fair wages, and provide better health services. 

These measures are crucial for maintaining a skilled and motivated workforce, which is vital not only for the garment industry but also for the broader development of the country.

This information was shared during a keynote presentation titled 'Bunon 2030: Key Interventions, Insights, & Way Forward for Bangladesh's RMG Sector' at a discussion event held at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Saturday, 23 November 2024. 

The presentation was delivered by Zahedul Amin, Co-founder and Director of LightCastle Partners.

The event was jointly organized by the Dhaka-based international business consultancy firm LightCastle Partners and Policy Exchange Bangladesh. 

The report, under the same title, was unveiled at the event and handed over to key stakeholders, including government representatives and leaders from the BGMEA and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).