A new study has revealed a significant gender pay gap and major barriers to women’s career advancement in Bangladesh’s private sector.
The study, “Gender at Work: A Study of Selected Private Sector Firms in Bangladesh”, found that women earn 15 per cent less than men, with the gap expanding to 40 per cent at leadership levels.
The research examined gender equity practices across multiple industries, including manufacturing, health, finance, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and leather. It found that for every Tk100 earned by a man, a woman earns only Tk85, with the gap growing wider at higher levels.
Despite women holding 22 per cent of entry-level positions, they represent only 6 per cent in mid-management roles, highlighting a significant drop in female representation during career transitions.
The findings also showed that women face unequal access to technical and leadership training and bear a disproportionate share of unpaid care responsibilities, which further limits their career growth.
These disparities, compounded by limited workplace protections and unequal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, reinforce systemic gender inequality in the workplace.
The study was presented during the official launch of the Gender Champions Network (GCN) on Sunday at Hotel Sheraton, Banani Dhaka.
The event, titled “Transforming Workplaces: Driving Equity and Empowering Action”, brought together business leaders, development practitioners, academicians, and corporate professionals to discuss solutions for gender equity in the workplace.
Representatives from the Gates Foundation, which supports the GCN, were also present.
The panel discussion, moderated by SAJIDA Foundation Senior Research Advisor Sajeda Amin, included Gates Foundation Senior Officer Anupama Anand, IBA Professor and National Bank PLC Chairman Melita Mehjabeen, Unilever Bangladesh CEO and Managing Director Ruhul Quddus Khan, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates Senior Partner Nihad Kabir, and SAJIDA Foundation CEO and GCN Chairperson Zahida Fizza Kabir.
Panelists explored actionable pathways to close the gender pay gap, improve career opportunities, and ensure equal access to leadership roles for women.
The Gender Champions Network, an initiative by SAJIDA Foundation supported by the Gates Foundation, aims to unite diverse stakeholders, including progressive companies, NGOs, and policy advocates, to drive gender equity in Bangladesh’s private sector.
By fostering strategic partnerships and providing expert guidance, workshops, and policy advocacy, the network seeks to create long-lasting, measurable improvements in gender equity.
Already, 10 organizations have joined the network as champions, committing to concrete steps toward advancing gender equity in their workplaces.
The launch marks a significant step in Bangladesh’s efforts to close the gender gap in pay, leadership, and career growth, ultimately fostering a more equitable and inclusive working environment across the country.
