Myth of empowerment of women migrants: Post-COVID scenario of returnee women migrants in Bangladesh

Abstract

This article explores the complex interactions that affect women migrants in Bangladesh with a focus on their experiences as return migrants during the post-COVID. Worldwide migration patterns have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Bangladesh is no exception. It is critical to comprehend the difficulties and opportunities experienced by women migrants during this time, as the pandemic disrupted businesses and compelled many migrant workers to return home. Due to economic reasons and the search for better employment prospects, female migration has significantly increased in Bangladesh in recent decades. However, the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent migrant repatriation have brought to light the numerous difficulties faced by women who have traveled overseas as workers. The article investigates how their migrating experiences and contributions have been viewed in Bangladeshi culture in terms of empowerment by analyzing Naila Kabeer’s three-dimensional framework (Resource, Agency, and Achievement). This research also contributes to the ongoing conversation on migration, gender, and empowerment scenarios by shedding light on the post-COVID environment for returnee women migrants to support inclusive sustainable development in the sphere of women empowerment in Bangladesh.