Despite a steep 35% growth in female employment in the last decade in the industrial sector, the number of women overall in the job force remains low compared to their male counterparts in Bangladesh.
Higher growth in female employment was fueled by the industrial sector, especially the apparel industry and services sector. But the agriculture sector still employs the highest number of women, employing 10. 9 million workers.
A number of experts, employers and rights activists opined that the rise of corporate and service oriented businesses, as well as the dedicated government policy, has contributed to the increase in female employment.
On top of that, the enrolment of women in educational institutions has expedited female participation in the country’s job market.
Selima Ahmad, president of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “In the recent years, Bangladesh has seen a rise in service oriented businesses. The development in information technology has given rise to ICT related jobs.