Assessing the Level of Women's Empowerment among Garment Workers in a Particular Locale of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

This research aims to assess the socioeconomic characteristics of female workers in the RMG industry with primary data from 100 respondents, equally divided into two categories: 50 Helpers and 50 Operators which is selected randomly. Using tabular analysis and descriptive statistics techniques, the study analyzed the data to gain insights into the socioeconomic profiles of the participants. A random sampling technique was used in selecting sample. Results indicated that a majority of the female workers (both Helpers and Operators) fell within the age group of 15-29 years. Furthermore, only 4% of female employees (Operators) possessed higher secondary education. The study found that 80% of respondents (Helpers) and 72% of respondents (Operators) were married, with the household head typically being the respondents' husband. The research revealed that the average annual salary of Helper respondents was Tk. 62040, while the mean annual income of Operator respondents was Tk. 128400. Regarding credit utilization, the study found that, on average, Helpers received 89.45% of the applied loan amount, with an average applied loan of Tk. 5346, and Operators received 92.24% of the applied loan amount, with an average applied loan of Tk. 8590.The study also explored the empowerment levels of the female workers and discovered that about 92% of Helpers and 90% of Operators kept their earnings and spent independently. Overall, Helper and Operator categories experienced improvements in income levels, health conditions, and financial situations, with decision-making abilities in various aspects of life, such as buying and selling, food selection, family planning, treatment, and visiting relatives, showing significant enhancements. Despite these improvements, the study identified a decline in savings, which decreased by 64% for Helpers and 36% for Operators. In light of these findings, the research advocates for enhancing the existing facilities to maximize the empowerment and well-being of female workers in the RMG industry.