Status of decent work for women in the informal RMG sector of Bangladesh

This research analyzes the prospects of decent working conditions in the informal RMG sector, focusing on women. The study is conducted among three types of informal sector RMG workers. At first the study tries to define the formal and informal RMG sector and then tries establishing the relationship among formal, informal and associated RMG sector in Bangladesh. Embroidery and Accessories are associated industry with high female concentration, and these industries work as backward linkage industry for both informal and formal RMG factory and Jhut works as a forward linkage industry. In terms of practicing labor rights and freedom of expression workers have no scope, workers face discrimination in equal opportunities for promotion at workplaces. Increasing child labor, especially adolescent girls, is more involved in Jhut factories. Less government monitoring and documentation, less scope for workers to prove their experience and skills, lack of compliances, illegal factories, less presence of development organizations to support workers are some of the major constraints. A better monitoring system, implementation of child labor law, financial protection of workers, large scale skill development programs, awareness raising programs for both workers and owners, involvement of local government can help to ensure the decent work in informal RMG sector.