WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The majority of Bangladesh's population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Almost half of Bangladesh's population works in agriculture, either directly or indirectly. Industry in the agricultural sector contributes 14.17 percent to GDP. Women's widespread but underrecognized involvement in the agricultural sector Women in rural areas are the unsung heroes of the economy. Women make up 18.3% of the workforce in agriculture and related occupations, while men make up 22.3%. Women's labor force participation increased by 192.84% from 1999-00 to 2016-17, compared to a rise of 55.97% for all workers. A decrease of 16.26% in male participation in agriculture has been observed during this time. Women's labor force participation in agriculture is inversely related to their level of education and access to electricity in rural areas. Information such as non-farming income, land size, and ownership status. There has been a rise in the number of women working in agriculture, but they continue to face barriers to education and advancement in the field. Women do a disproportionate amount of work in agriculture but are rarely credited for their efforts. Bangladesh received a 0.66 on the WEAI, with a 5DE score indicating that 75% of women are not empowered and a GPI score indicating that 61.22% of women do not have gender parity. Increasing women's access to production inputs, educating women to develop confidence in carrying out agricultural businesses, and improving extension workers' skills in handling female farmer groups are all necessary initiatives for empowering women in the agricultural sector. The ease with which women can perform agricultural tasks requires the attention of both the government and conscientious citizens.