Take measures to improve maternal health of female workers

The garment industry is one of the driving forces of Bangladesh’s economy. At present, about 58 per cent of the country’s total workers are women employed in the garment sector. At one time it was more than 80 per cent. Due to lower wages and fewer facilities compared to other sectors and because of women’s health issues, particularly maternal health problems, the participation of female workers in the garment industry is declining at an alarming rate. A study published by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) revealed that 65 per cent of women working in the garment industry become pregnant before the age of 18. One in three of these women has experienced at least one unwanted pregnancy in her lifetime and one in four has had an abortion or undergone menstrual regulation.

According to those concerned, the study was conducted every six months through surveys of 778 workers aged between 15 and 27 employed in garment factories. It showed that two out of every three female workers in the garment industry were married before the age of 18. The study was conducted from August 2022 to December 2024. The findings show that apart from maternal health problems, female workers in the garment industry are subjected to violence both at home and in the workplace. Although some counselling services exist in Bangladesh’s garment factories regarding sexual and reproductive health, the necessary services are limited. Among the factories where the surveyed workers are employed, only 22 per cent provide sanitary pads. Information was found that only 14 per cent of factories provide family planning materials. The study revealed that neglect of women’s health and child marriage are mainly due to lack of education and awareness. Because of various maternal health problems, they are often left with no option but to leave their jobs.

We know that maternal health is very closely linked with development. The loss of maternal health negatively affects society and the state in many ways. In this context, the loss of health among female workers in the garment industry is extremely worrying. If the number of female workers in the garment sector continues to decline at the present rate, it will soon fall below 50 per cent. If this decline continues, on the one hand, women’s empowerment and self-reliance will decrease; on the other hand, a shortage of workers may bring stagnation in the ready-made garment sector, which is at the top of the country’s export earnings.

Therefore, it is time to take timely measures to improve the maternal health of female workers. This is essential not only for women in the garment industry but also for women working in all sectors. A recent study has shown that due to maternal health and other complications, women’s participation is also decreasing in banks and other workplaces. This is a grave warning signal for the country’s economy. The decline in the number of female workers and employees in the financial sector is not only harmful to the economy but also hinders the establishment of gender equality in society. As a result, violence against women will increase rather than decrease. Therefore, raising awareness about women’s health is urgently needed. And for that, proper education is essential. Alongside institutional education, health education for women in the workplace is also necessary. In this regard, special initiatives from the government have become urgent.