Understanding working mothers’ perspectives on parenting and early childhood development in semi-urban areas

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the perspectives of working mothers regarding parenting and early childhood development (ECD) in semi-urban areas of Bangladesh. With increasing female participation in the workforce, mothers face the dual responsibility of employment and caregiving during their children’s critical developmental years. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through six in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions conducted in Gazipur and Madaripur. The findings reveal that mothers perceive themselves as the primary caregivers and first teachers of their children. Although participants demonstrated general awareness of holistic child development, they experienced significant challenges, including time constraints, emotional guilt and limited workplace support. Grandparents emerged as the primary childcare providers, while access to formal daycare services remained limited and costly. Despite challenges, employment contributed positively to mothers’ financial independence, confidence and decision-making power. The study highlights the need for family-friendly workplace policies and community-based childcare services in semi-urban Bangladesh. The findings contribute to strengthening ECD practices, genderresponsive policies and support systems for working mothers.