A Study on Labour Rights for Women in Readymade Garment Industries of Bangladesh

Abstract

The readymade garment (RMG) sector in Bangladesh is a cornerstone of economic growth, accounting for over 80% of export revenue and employing over four million workers, with women mostly from rural, disadvantaged backgrounds comprising 60–70% of the workforce. Their participation has reshaped economic and gender dynamics, challenging traditional patriarchal norms and expanding women‟s roles beyond domestic confines. However, their socio-economic empowerment is undermined by persistent labour rights violations, hazardous working conditions, and limited access to justice. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the labour rights of female RMG workers through a legal and socio-political framework. It evaluates national and international legal instruments, including the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (amended), associated regulations, and global conventions like ILO C100 (Equal Remuneration), C111 (Discrimination in Employment), and CEDAW. Using a qualitative doctrinal approach, the study integrates case studies, policy documents, NGO reports, academic sources, and expert interviews to highlight the gap between legal protections and their practical enforcement. Findings reveal significant disparities between legal provisions and workplace realities. Despite laws guaranteeing equal pay, maternity benefits, harassment protection, and safe workplaces, female workers face wage disparities, informal employment practices, lack of union representation, and gender discrimination. Common issues include delayed or irregular wages, denial of benefits, unpaid overtime, and lack of formal contracts, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and arbitrary dismissal. Workplace safety remains a critical concern, even after high-profile incidents like the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. While initiatives like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety and the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety have driven some progress, many smaller factories evade compliance. Problems such as poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, overcrowding, excessive hours, and unsafe fire exits persist. Gender-based violence and sexual harassment are widespread yet underreported due to the lack of female inspectors, effective grievance systems, and fear of retaliation. The study also highlights women‟s exclusion from trade unions and collective bargaining, despite their majority in the workforce. Cultural, institutional, and organizational barriers, coupled with male-dominated union structures and threats of job loss, limit women‟s participation and advocacy. Informal workers, including those in subcontracting units and home based production, face even greater challenges, operating outside legal protections with low wages, long hours, and no social security. vi Institutional shortcomings exacerbate these issues, with the Department of Labour hampered by underfunding, insufficient staffing, and limited capacity. Factory inspections are often irregular, superficial, or compromised by corruption. Legal recourse is slow, costly, and inaccessible, discouraging women from seeking justice. The lack of sex-disaggregated labour data further hinders evidence-based policy development. The study proposes comprehensive policy reforms, including amending the Bangladesh Labour Act to include gender-specific provisions like mandatory childcare, menstrual leave, and robust anti-harassment measures. Strengthening labour inspections through increased funding, training, and hiring female inspectors is critical. Accessible, independent grievance mechanisms and anonymous reporting systems are needed to protect female workers. Formalizing informal labour arrangements and extending legal protections to marginalized workers are also essential. Promoting female leadership in trade unions through training and affirmative action is recommended to enhance representation. Ultimately, the study calls for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach involving the government, factory owners, unions, civil society, international buyers, and labour organizations. Without collective action to improve conditions, enforce laws, and address structural inequalities, the vision of equitable, safe, and dignified work for women in Bangladesh‟s RMG sector will remain elusive, and the industry‟s global competitiveness will continue to rely on the exploitation of its most vulnerable workers.