Women are not only carrying the lion’s share of unpaid household work but are also excelling in formal employment, in some cases outshining men. Speakers said at a national dialogue in Dhaka on Monday, stressing that true development can only be celebrated when women’s dual contributions receive due recognition.
While addressing as chief guest, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser to the Ministry of Planning said, “Women will soon have the legal right to take their children to workplaces, as the interim government is working to establish this provision.”
He made the remarks a national dialogue titled “Road to Recognition: A First Step towards Gender Equality” organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) at a Gulshan hotel (Crowne Plaza).
The dialogue spotlighted the landmark Household Production Satellite Account (HPSA) Report of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), which values unpaid household work at BDT 670,000 crore (18.9% of GDP). Women contribute 85% of this, equivalent to 16.14% of GDP. Speakers emphasized recognizing, reducing, and redistributing unpaid care work as essential steps toward gender equality.
Dr. Mahmud said, “Women are contributing comparatively better than men in workplaces. A country’s development can only be celebrated when women receive due respect.”
“If women are allowed to take their children to workplaces, it will pave the way for a future where recruiters are required to establish mandatory daycare facilities in every office,” he added.
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam recalled the organization’s decade-long advocacy: “Over a decade ago, we envisioned a society where women are respected at home and face less domestic violence. Recognizing unpaid care work was central to that vision. Today, government acknowledgment marks a milestone for women’s rights.”
Asma Akhter, Deputy Director of BBS shared vision for a caring society and expressed hope to update the data further.
Banasree Mitra Neogi, Director - Rights & Governance Programmes, MJF delivered a keynote presentation on A Transformative Journey: Recognizing Unpaid Care Work towards Gender Equality in Bangladesh. In her session, she said, “Necessary surveys are often funded by international development partners. They will not be able to do that all the time in future. So, the government should come forward to take such initiative to take the country forward.”
Nusrat Aman, Chief Executive Officer, AYAT Foundation said, “The work of men should be considered as equal responsibility, not celebration.”
Nasheeba Selim, Principal Social Development Specialist (Gender), ADB said, “People expect that household chores will be done by women by default. But this perception needs to be changed and equal gender roles should be defined.”
Kazi Golam Towsif, Director General (Additional Responsibilities), Department of Women Affairs, said, “Men and women, we will work together for a betterment of the society. This should be our motto.”
Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative, UN Women Bangladesh told that combined effort of men and women will be a game changer in the unpaid care work sector.
Stéphanie St-Laurent Brassard, Second Secretary (Development – Gender Equality), High Commission of Canada, Bangladesh said, “Let us reaffirm today that care is not a cost; it is an investment, an investment in human potential, in equality, and in a more prosperous and just future for all.”
Katharina König, Deputy Team Leader for the Nagorikata Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) said, “We recognize this issue of women’s unpaid care work with highest importance. In future we will definitely run campaign and necessary mass awareness programme regarding this issue.”
Parveen Mahmud FCA, Chairperson of MJF’s Governing Board, said, “Recognition of the women’s unpaid care work is a remarkable achievement which is an effort of MJF’s long-term advocacy. Society stakeholders should change perspective regarding gender equality.”
The findings mark a milestone in MJF’s “Equality through Dignity” campaign, launched in 2013 to recognize women’s contributions, enhance their status in families and society, and reduce violence and discrimination.
The event brought together policymakers, researchers, civil society, and media representatives to chart a collective path towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.
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