SAFETY-NET PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN WORKERS IN READY-MADE GARMENT (RMG) SECTOR IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) Sector plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of our country. The success and progress of this sector lead the country in the global context in terms of economic and social development indicators. Besides earning foreign currency this sector is providing a larger employment opportunity for the women folk of this country. Undoubtedly it can be said that the Ready-made Garments (RMG) Sectors has a significant role in women development and empowerment of our country. Considering the role and contribution of this sector this study named “Safety-Net Programs for Women Workers in Ready-Made Garment (RMG) Sector in Bangladesh” has been conducted with a view to exploring the safety issues of the female workforce of garment industries in Bangladesh based upon the industry environment, their socio-economic, residential and working condition, age limit, fire accident and anti-fire protective measures for workers, medical and availability of other facilities as approved by laws of this country. The main objective of this study was to uncover the safety measures for women workers in the Ready-made Garments sectors in Bangladesh. To fulfill this main objective some specific objectives have also been followed. This study was quantitative and qualitative in nature. A mixed-method has been used in this study comprising of both the sample survey design and case study design. In this study, among the total respondents 83.33% (majority of) respondents were found living in nuclear family structure followed by 16.67% were from joint family structure. This study also showed that 20% of respondents were living in a rented home whereas 4% and 8% of respondents were found living in room sharing and sublet respectively. Maximum respondents (68%) were found living in a rented one room. Regarding educational qualification, the findings showed that 10.67% could give signature only and 9.33% had completed PSC followed by 12.67% JSC and 36.67% had completed SSC respectively whereas 32.67% respondents were found completing HSC examination. To measure or understand the empowerment situation of women it’s important to know their decision-making power in the family and everyday life situations. Finding shows that out of total respondents 58% of respondents have decision making power in family planning matters followed by 6% do not have any say at all and 36% of respondents found not applicable in this ii question due to unmarried. 60% of respondents were found who take decisions in Child’s related issues like; (Education, Marriage, etc.). The study showed that 16.67% of total respondents work regularly 8 hours a day in the factory followed by 27.33% of respondents working from 9 to 10 hours. The highest percentage (53.33%) of respondents worked from 8 to 9 hours in the factory followed by 2.67% of all respondents who worked for a long duration of 10 to 12 hours in a day. The study also uncovers information regarding the work environment of respondents in their factories. It shows that the majority of respondents (84%) gave a positive opinion about the cleanliness of their factories followed by 16% who gave negative responses. 100% of respondents told about clean washroom facilities followed by 80% gave positive responses about proper ventilation and temperature in their factories followed by 20% of respondents who gave negative answers in this matter. In response to the question of job satisfaction, the majority (74%) of respondents expressed satisfaction followed by 24.67% of respondents were found with average replies followed by only 1.33% of respondents out of total expressed not satisfactory opinion. Regarding enjoyment of maternity leaves and allowance by respondents from whom data has been collected, for study purpose, it was found that out of total respondents 36.67% of respondents were found who enjoyed both maternity leaves and allowances from their respective organizations during their pregnancy period followed by 8% of respondents did not enjoyed both leave and allowance. Again 13.33% of respondents were found who did not enjoy these maternity benefits yet because of newly married or not conceiving a child. The majority (41.33%) of respondents were also found not applicable for these benefits. The study also displays information regarding the problems encountered by women workers in factories. It shows that 78% of total respondents reported a comfortable and secure work environment followed by 22% of respondents reporting their work environment was not comfortable and secure. It was also found out that 88% of respondents told about the overload of work pressure followed by 84% reported frequent overtime and 10% of respondents told about night shift of work. 68% of iii respondents reported that their work is heavy and risky, followed by 32% who said that they do light and easy types of work. Again 74% of respondents reported receiving low wages followed by 26% told about a delay in wage giving on behalf of factory owners. 6% and 74% of respondents reported facing physical and mental harassment at their workplace followed by 20% reporting facing verbal abuse as a name of harassment. Only a minimal number of respondents (10%) reported giving punishment for the accused on behalf of management followed by the majority (90%) do not face any kind of punishment for their misconduct. Again 18% of respondents reported facing retrenchment followed by the majority portion (82%) facing no retrenchment until the data collection for this study. By analyzing the findings (both quantitative and qualitative) of the study, some suggestive measures have been recommended for more effectiveness of the female workers employed in this industrial sector for raising worker satisfaction as well as industrial productivity. These suggestive measures include: fixation of wages should be equal and logical for males and females; ensure proper time schedule and allowance for overtime work, especially for female workers; provide transportation as well as an adequate and separate toilet and urinary facilities; ensure separate breast feeding and daycare facilities as well as maternity leave and allowances for female workers; provide quota for female membership in the trade union; put up and welfare officer to provide enough knowledge about their right in the workplace according to the labor law; arrange regular recreational facilities and counseling service for workers to avoid monotonous of work; arrange orientation sessions with workers, especially with female workers to know them regarding labor law related rules and provisions. Chief Inspector can play a vital role in this regard with factory owners and so on. With the growing demand for information regarding the industrial sector of Bangladesh, the findings of this study will help to add new knowledge and will be an important guideline for the researchers, policymakers, social workers, GOs, and the management bodies along with their partners and stakeholders to work and ensure the safety of work environment along with other welfare measures for the larger female workforce in the garment industries of Bangladesh. This study will work as a rudder for anyone interested to do further research in similar aspects in the RMG sector of Bangladesh.