Country: People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Committee: United Nation Women (UNW)
Agenda A: Economic Rights Women’s and Opportunities in Developing Economies
Economic rights include the right to decent work, to equal pay and to land and adequate housing. These are
rights that women living in poverty are often denied. Women who are also discriminated against due to other
aspects of their identity - such as their age, religion or ethnicity - face even greater barriers to the fulfilment
of their economic rights. Gender inequalities in employment and job quality result in gaps in access to social
protection acquired through employment, such as pensions, unemployment benefits, or maternity protection.
Coverage of women lags behind men by 8 per cent (34.3 per cent and 26.5 per cent, respectively). Globally,
an estimated 73.5 per cent of women in wage employment do not have access to social protection. In Africa,
Rwanda leads with 61% of parliamentary seats held by women as of 2024. Similarly, India has a strong
microfinance sector aiding women’s entrepreneurship, while Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program provides cash
transfers to low-income families, focusing on women’s support.
Since gaining independence, Bangladesh has implemented various legal and policy measures to advance
women’s rights and empowerment. Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution emphasize the protection of
women from all forms of discrimination and promote their equal participation in society. The country
ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in
1984, endorsed the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) in 1995, and committed to the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Key laws,
such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2017, have been formulated to protect women’s rights. One of
the government’s significant actions was the adoption of the National Women Development Policy in
2011. . Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 countries globally for women’s empowerment, placing 7th in
political empowerment. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2022, it is
71st out of 146 nations in women’s progress. The country supports gender equality by ensuring equal
employment access for women.
Improving economic rights and opportunities for women in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive approach
that tackles structural, social, and economic barriers. Despite progress in women’s empowerment, only 36%
of working-age women participate in the labor force, with most in informal jobs that lack safety measures
and legal protections, such as minimum wage. While initiatives like Grameen Bank’s microfinance
programs provide women with access to finance, they need more holistic support to overcome entrenched
social norms. The government can play a critical role by improving infrastructure, such as safe public
transportation, and strengthening the social care system to reduce the burden of unpaid care work. Enforcing
laws that guarantee equal pay, especially in sectors like garment manufacturing, and strengthening anti-
discrimination laws can ensure women access leadership roles and higher wages without facing bias. Skill-
based training programs in non-traditional sectors like technology and mentorship programs that connect
young women with successful female professionals are also essential. By implementing these measures,
Bangladesh can boost women’s labor force participation, achieve macroeconomic goals, and make
significant strides toward Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
Agenda B: Combating Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Crises
Violence against women (VAW) is a widespread issue globally, with one in three women experiencing
physical or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. In Bangladesh, VAW rates are among the highest, with
54% of married or formerly married women reporting physical or sexual violence by spouses, well above
the global average. Harmful notions of masculinity and societal norms perpetuate this violence. Non-partner
violence, workplace harassment, and sexual violence are also prevalent, with 76% of female students and
73% of garment workers experiencing abuse or harassment. Displaced Rohingya women face heightened
vulnerability to gender-based violence in refugee camps. Inequality, child marriages, and gender-based
violence surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, further exacerbating the issue.
Bangladesh has implemented several policies and measures to address gender-based violence (GBV),
grounded in its constitution. Article 10 mandates the participation of women in all aspects of national life,
while Article 28 ensures equal rights for women and men in all spheres of the state and public life. In March
2016, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) and the Ministry of Women and Children
Affairs (MoWCA) established a GBV Cluster to combat violence. Significant laws include the Domestic
Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010, Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act
2012, Hindu Marriage Registration Act 2012, and Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, among others.
Additionally, the government introduced the National Women Development Policy in 2011, focusing on
ensuring women’s human rights, protecting female children, and eliminating all forms of abuse against
women. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister has also been recognized for providing shelter to over 1.1 million
displaced Rohingya, earning her the title “Mother of Humanity.”
In humanitarian crises, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis, gender-based violence (GBV) often escalates
due to displacement and weakened social systems. To address this, Bangladesh must strengthen law
enforcement, judicial systems, and social services to ensure consistent enforcement of existing laws and
provide survivors with legal aid, safe housing, and counseling. Public awareness campaigns challenging
harmful gender norms, along with specialized courts to expedite GBV cases in crisis situations, are essential.
Expanding access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including maternal care and family planning, is
crucial, alongside establishing safe shelters and resource centers in refugee camps where women and girls
can access protection and support.
