The University of Dhaka’s Centre for Gender and Development Studies, in collaboration with UN Women Bangladesh, organized a discussion titled “Care Economy and the Labour Market: Rethinking Women’s Economic Agency in Bangladesh” on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The event was held at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium under the chairmanship of Professor Dr. Sanjida Akhter, Director of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies.
Former Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Dhaka and Professor of Economics Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam, and Professor Dr. Tania Haque of the Department of Women and Gender Studies spoke at the event.
Speakers said women make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy, but unpaid household and caregiving responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women. Such work creates barriers to women’s participation in the labour market and limits their economic independence.
They stressed the need to recognize the importance of care work and formulate effective policies to promote women’s economic empowerment. They also called for coordinated efforts by the state, society and workplaces to strengthen women’s decision-making power and ensure greater economic participation.
