Gender Equality in the Workforce in Bangladesh

A study of the occupational experience of female professionals

Abstract

This study explores the occupational experience of female professionals in Bangladesh and their perceptions of gender equality in the workforce. Bangladesh's gender roles and culture hinder female's professional advancement. The research aims to assess working conditions and identify causes of gender injustice for female professionals, while also examining the impact of gender equality on decision-making processes and institutions. Through a review of existing literature, this paper examines the structural and cultural factors that perpetuate gender inequality and the impact of these on women's professional development.  This qualitative research used semi-structured interviews with eight female participants to acquire insights into gender equality challenges. It reveals that female professionals face pervasive discrimination and harassment in the workplace, low-skilled jobs with limited prospects for career advancement, including gender-based violence and unequal pay, and struggle to balance their professional and personal lives. Participants report feeling unsupported by their employers and experiencing significant stress and anxiety.  The study contributes to the extant literature on the barriers encountered by women professionals in Bangladesh, by shedding light on the imperative for policy reform, educational and training initiatives, and socio-cultural transformations to advance gender equality in the workforce.