Nature and Consequences of Violence Against Women in Garment Industries of Dhaka City

Abstract

Bangladesh Ready-Made Garment Industries (RMG) is highly dependent on women. According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), 80% of the 4 million workers (that is, 3.2 million workers) employed in its members' factories are women. The garment workers contribute more 85% of the country‟s annual exports. However, they are victims of workplace violence. Some measures can be taken by the Bangladesh government and labor law‟s organizations to manage this sector effectively. If the concerned authority can ensure decent safe working conditions, protect women from violence, and proper wage scale, RMG could become the major source of socio-economic development and push the country towards middle-income status. It can also lift Bangladesh‟s image and status in the global economy. This study is created to know nature and its consequences of garment working women who are victims of workplace violence. The analysis is based on the survey of 150 female workers who are purposively selected. They are the affected ones at their workplace. Data is collected from different parts of Dhaka city. Victims‟ homes were visited to make the data reliable. This study highlighted the workers‟ socio-demographic and economic conditions, workplace environment, categories of various types of violence and its effects, and colleague‟s reaction to violence. Moreover, it looks whether the victims have taken legal action or not. The research looked at these matters from a social demography perspective. It also includes the perspective of workplace violence and how it affects women‟s lives. The study found that the female workers are still faced with physical and psychological attacks, abuse, work pressure, sexual harassment, eve-teasing etc. This paper recommends measures for improving their economic conditions and measures to ensure a violence free working environment. Besides, follow the Trade Union laws and Bangladesh labor laws sanctions to achieve female workers‟ satisfaction.