Bangladesh’s rural female workforce experiences significant wage gaps compared to men, even though they perform the same tasks, as per a report. In Thakurgaon district, women are paid less than men for similar efforts, with women earning Tk 250-300 a day while men receive Tk 400-500. Despite handling various responsibilities, women’s contributions remain undervalued, with women paid Tk 150-200 less than men for day labor.
42-year-old Rehana Begum questions the wage gap, highlighting that women work as hard as men but receive lower pay. Women like Afiya Begum, who manage multiple tasks from childcare to agricultural work, feel their efforts are not recognized. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reported that in agriculture, men earn Tk 625 daily compared to Tk 462 for women, indicating a wage disparity.
Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman from the Eco Social Development Organisation notes that women endure long hours, low wages, and discrimination despite their crucial role. The lack of proper wage policy monitoring allows for exploitation, weakening women’s economic empowerment. Efforts are needed to address this issue and reduce wage gaps to recognize women’s significant contributions in agriculture.
