Balance between paid and unpaid labour a study on female garment workers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is a developing nation that many liberation warriors gave their lives for, and the textile sector was a major contributor to the country's financial difficulties. Women's empowerment has changed significantly as a result of their involvement in the ready-made garments (hereinafter RMG) industry. However, a recent study reveals that women's participation in the apparel industry is declining as a result of husband restrictions, religious beliefs, pregnancy, child care, and other factors. As a result, our RMG industry is in serious trouble. Among these, the decline of women in the apparel industry is a significant issue related to child care. In this context, this thesis explores how it is possible for the current women garment workers to balance work and home. Specifically, the objective is to find out how they take care of their children while working in this sector, with a particular focus on children’s education and daycare. To investigate this goal, the study conducted a qualitative method consisting of interview of 39 senior women garment workers, 3 FGDs of women garment workers and 1 KII. Based on qualitative methods, the thesis found that many women garment workers have tried to make a balance between home and work by using madrasahs as an educational institution as well as daycare centre for their children because they are more accessible and affordable for them. Asadullah’s (2013) study on madrasa and poverty was used as a theoretical framework in this thesis. The findings would contribute to the literature on female participation in the labour market, child care, and the SDG5.