Discrimination of Women at RMG Sector in Bangladesh

Women are discriminated in professional, personal and community levels by their male counterpart across the globe in general. More specifically, women are not treated equally at workplace in many societies due to the dominance of patriarchal social system and traditional norms. Women equity and empowerment are spoken widely, but these are not practiced in reality. The primary aim of this study is to explore the women's current position and status at the workplace in Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh in terms of wages, promotions, safety and security. Secondly, this paper highlights the challenges that women face at RMG. This paper adopts qualitative approach to study this crucial issues. This study also congregates and analyses the most pertinent data both from the existing literature and primary sources. In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) have been conducted among the female RMG workers appointed in different industrial zones in Bangladesh. This study has some remarkable findings such as, a) women employee do not get proper respect at workplace from their male colleagues. b) Women are often harassed verbally by their male coworkers. c) Owners, managers and supervisors have the bad intention to fulfill their sexual desire with female workers. d) Male supervisors often force their female subordinates to do overtime till the late night. e) Though female workers are doing the same job, but they do not get proper justice in terms of getting desired job posting, salary on time and promotions based on their skills and competencies. Finally, this study focuses on resolving the issues of gender discrimination at the workplace and contributes towards the equity and empowerment of women in RMG sector in Bangladesh.