Women’s Mobility, Leadership, and Inclusion in Bangladesh: A Call for Structural Reforms

Bangladesh has recorded significant improvements in terms of education, employment, and entrepreneurship among women after independence in 1971, but there are ingrained gender gaps in the country. Arising sectors like Ready-made garments(RMG) industry have opened up several opportunities for women, however, they are hindered by barriers such as the cultural norms of the country, lack of access to higher education by women, work place discrimination and wage disparity especially in male oriented fields in the country. Such sociocultural norms and social expectations limit the movement of women in their families, powers to make decisions as well as opportunities to advance in careers particularly in leadership roles. Although the government of the Bangladesh has enacted policies and initiatives to address such issues like domestic violence and digital literacy in women, various obstacles still exist. In doing this we get a deeper insight into how socio-cultural norms, structural barriers, and economic policies influence career progression in women in Bangladesh mostly in STEM, business, and entrepreneurship. It examines problem in labor markets and identifies the requirements of reforms for gender equality and leadership applicability. To understand socio-economic status of women in Bangladesh, recognize the necessity of targeted reforms, increased representation, financial inclusion, to ensure sustainability of women’s economic and social performances as the country’s contribution is recognised and valued and inform policymakers, communities, and industries to create a more fair and inclusive future for all people.