Financial independence is a crucial aspect of women’s empowerment because it enables women to take charge of their lives and make well-informed choices to build a better future for themselves as well as for their families, society, and the country at large. Research from the McKinsey Global Institute shows that the global GDP could grow by USD 12 trillion by 2025 if gender gaps are closed and women are given more economic power.
Women have been deprived of equal access to opportunities as their male counterparts throughout history. Despite comprising 60% of the workforce in the RMG industry of Bangladesh, the dearth of women at the industry’s management level is leading to gender inequality and poor work culture. The gender pay gap has left women with little savings and investments for the future, making them more exposed to economic instability.
Notwithstanding numerous hurdles, women in Bangladesh have made significant progress in recent years in climbing the corporate ladder and gaining leading positions. They have continually broken through boundaries and challenged societal norms. Bangladesh can pave the road to a more equitable and prosperous future for everybody by recognising the value of women’s contributions to the economy and society and giving them equal chances.
Md. Shah Jalal
Editor
IDLC Monthly Business Review