The share of women in Bangladesh’s garment industry workforce has declined to 53% in 2023, down from 56% in 2014, according to a study presented at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) annual conference.

The study highlights a shift in female participation in home textile and woven industries, with a notable drop in jacket-making roles.

Historically, women constituted over 80% of the sector’s workforce during its early development. However, the decline has contributed to factors like growing reluctance to engage in labor-intensive factory work, automation, and gender-biased technological transitions.

The study, titled ‘Technology Upgradation of the RMG Industries in Bangladesh,’ also noted that mechanization had made professions like machine operators obsolete, leading to job losses. On average, between 2.15 and 4.13 workers lost their jobs for every $1 million invested in new equipment.

While automation has displaced specific jobs, it has created opportunities for skilled employment. The report attributes the adoption of advanced technology to the growing capabilities of local firms, reducing the reliance on labor-intensive roles.

In another session, BIDS Research Director Monzur Hossain discussed EU trade policies for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) post-graduation, emphasizing tariff protections and subsidies for garments sourced from “Most-Favoured Nations.”