Abstract
BackgroundThe ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh not only contributes to the nation’s economic development, but has created income opportunities for women, benefiting their whole family. However, these benefits come at considerable cost to the women. This research examines how the work environment and gendered family role in this conservative society affect the health of the female industrial workers.MethodsA qualitative study employed in-depth interviews (n-20) and focus group discussions with female garment workers (n-4) in two cities of Dhaka district. Further, key informant interviews (n = 4) with factory doctors, along with eight workplace observations were conducted to explore the lived experience of female workers’ health issues. Interview transcripts were coded in Atlas-ti, 5.2. The data were analysed using thematic analysis approach. The themes are illustrated with case narratives.ResultsThe female workers reported that their work has led to back and joint pain, continuous headache, eye pain and difficulty in breathing associated with inhaling fabric dust. Inadequate lighting, constantly sitting in one position without back rest and continuous noise from hundreds of machines makes them feel permanently tired. Further, the female workers reported that working in the factory and meeting the expectations of the families at home has doubled their workload. The doctors indicated that the physical work environment, their low job status and the nature of the job affect the health of female workers.ConclusionThis study found that female workers in the ready-made garment industry face a high risk of health problems. Both government and non-government organizations need to be better involved in designing interventions targeting these women, to protect them from such health risks. In addition, recognition by the whole society of the important role the women play in the economy is needed, so that support by both family and society can be improved.
Highlights
The ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh contributes to the nation’s economic development, but has created income opportunities for women, benefiting their whole family
This paper explores through a qualitative lens how female workers see their experiences of work and health problems in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh in relation to the working environment
The findings represent a description of female workers’ health status and their understating about their health problems both individually and as a group
Summary
The ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh contributes to the nation’s economic development, but has created income opportunities for women, benefiting their whole family. These benefits come at considerable cost to the women. The RMG industry of Bangladesh has been identified as one of the top sources of ready-made garments in Southeast Asia and the volume of the export of this industry is expected to triple by 2020 [8] It earned USD24.5 billion in the fiscal year 2014–15, which accounted for over 80% of the nation’s export earning [9]
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