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If you ask what women consider when applying for a job, safety is likely to be at the top of the list. Whether it's the safety of their commute or the security of their workplace, these concerns play a critical role in their decision to pursue or remain in employment. Many jobs may require women to travel outside their immediate vicinity, but the fear of harassment or danger during commuting can deter them from taking up such opportunities. Creating a safe environment isn't just about fairness; it's an economic and social necessity. Addressing these issues can unlock tremendous benefits, fueling growth and progress across various sectors. Let's go deeper into this.
The economic cost of insecurity: The correlation between workplace safety and economic productivity is well-documented. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, closing the gender gap in labour force participation and productivity could add US$ 12 trillion to global GDP (gross domestic product) by 2025. This figure is driven, in part, by the positive impact that safe working environments and secure commutes have on women's ability to participate fully in the workforce.
In Bangladesh, however, many women face safety concerns that hinder their professional development. A study by BRAC revealed that 94 per cent of women commuting on public transport experience some form of sexual harassment, whether verbal, physical, or otherwise. This widespread issue severely impacts women's confidence and willingness to pursue job opportunities, especially in urban areas where public transport is the primary mode of travel. The lack of effective law enforcement, overcrowded buses, and weak surveillance further exacerbate the problem, creating a hostile environment for women on their daily commute.
Improving safety, increasing participation: Ensuring safety on public transportation and within workplaces can directly contribute to increased female labor force participation. Studies consistently show that when women feel safe in their work environments and while commuting, they are more likely to remain employed, pursue career advancement, and contribute to economic growth.
For instance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) shared how transportation safety initiatives have been instrumental in increasing women's workforce participation in other countries. In Japan, improvements in the safety and availability of public transport for women have led to a notable increase in women entering the labour market, particularly in urban centres. These changes have had a ripple effect, contributing to the country's long-term economic growth.
Similarly, in countries like South Korea and the Philippines, government and private-sector initiatives to ensure safe commutes for women have been linked to higher female labour force participation rates. In South Korea, the introduction of women-only cars on trains and buses in major cities reduced harassment significantly, encouraging more women to enter the workforce and remain employed.
Workplace safety as a catalyst for economic growth: In addition to commuting, workplace safety is another critical factor in unlocking economic benefits for Bangladesh. A safe workplace promotes not only gender equality but also productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. Research by UN Women shows that workplaces that prioritise women's safety and well-being tend to have higher engagement, lower turnover, and increased innovation.
For example, global companies that have implemented gender-sensitive policies, such as strict anti-harassment measures and equal pay initiatives, have seen improvements in both employee morale and productivity. A report by Catalyst, a global nonprofit organisation, indicates that organisations with higher female representation in leadership roles are much more likely to have financial returns above their industry's median.
The implementation of such policies in our country could help create more inclusive workplaces that encourage women's professional growth. Furthermore, investing in programmes that promote women's safety in workplaces such as awareness campaigns, helplines, and designated safe spaces could ensure that women are not only participating in the workforce but are also advancing to leadership positions, unlocking new levels of economic productivity.
To build a safer and more inclusive workforce, Bangladesh must take several key actions:
Enhancing public transportation safety: Creating safer transportation options, such as women-only vehicles, improved street lighting, and better policing on public transport, would encourage more women to engage in the workforce.
The economic cost of insecurity: The correlation between workplace safety and economic productivity is well-documented. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, closing the gender gap in labour force participation and productivity could add US$ 12 trillion to global GDP (gross domestic product) by 2025. This figure is driven, in part, by the positive impact that safe working environments and secure commutes have on women's ability to participate fully in the workforce.
In Bangladesh, however, many women face safety concerns that hinder their professional development. A study by BRAC revealed that 94 per cent of women commuting on public transport experience some form of sexual harassment, whether verbal, physical, or otherwise. This widespread issue severely impacts women's confidence and willingness to pursue job opportunities, especially in urban areas where public transport is the primary mode of travel. The lack of effective law enforcement, overcrowded buses, and weak surveillance further exacerbate the problem, creating a hostile environment for women on their daily commute.
Improving safety, increasing participation: Ensuring safety on public transportation and within workplaces can directly contribute to increased female labor force participation. Studies consistently show that when women feel safe in their work environments and while commuting, they are more likely to remain employed, pursue career advancement, and contribute to economic growth.
For instance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) shared how transportation safety initiatives have been instrumental in increasing women's workforce participation in other countries. In Japan, improvements in the safety and availability of public transport for women have led to a notable increase in women entering the labour market, particularly in urban centres. These changes have had a ripple effect, contributing to the country's long-term economic growth.
Similarly, in countries like South Korea and the Philippines, government and private-sector initiatives to ensure safe commutes for women have been linked to higher female labour force participation rates. In South Korea, the introduction of women-only cars on trains and buses in major cities reduced harassment significantly, encouraging more women to enter the workforce and remain employed.
Workplace safety as a catalyst for economic growth: In addition to commuting, workplace safety is another critical factor in unlocking economic benefits for Bangladesh. A safe workplace promotes not only gender equality but also productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. Research by UN Women shows that workplaces that prioritise women's safety and well-being tend to have higher engagement, lower turnover, and increased innovation.
For example, global companies that have implemented gender-sensitive policies, such as strict anti-harassment measures and equal pay initiatives, have seen improvements in both employee morale and productivity. A report by Catalyst, a global nonprofit organisation, indicates that organisations with higher female representation in leadership roles are much more likely to have financial returns above their industry's median.
The implementation of such policies in our country could help create more inclusive workplaces that encourage women's professional growth. Furthermore, investing in programmes that promote women's safety in workplaces such as awareness campaigns, helplines, and designated safe spaces could ensure that women are not only participating in the workforce but are also advancing to leadership positions, unlocking new levels of economic productivity.
To build a safer and more inclusive workforce, Bangladesh must take several key actions:
Enhancing public transportation safety: Creating safer transportation options, such as women-only vehicles, improved street lighting, and better policing on public transport, would encourage more women to engage in the workforce.
Strengthening workplace policies: Enforcing policies on workplace harassment, equal pay, and career advancement opportunities for women would ensure a supportive work environment, helping women stay employed and thrive professionally.
Community support and awareness: Increasing awareness around the importance of gender equality in workplaces and public spaces is essential to changing attitudes and behaviour that undermine women's safety.
The correlation between safety, higher workforce participation, and economic growth is clear. As Bangladesh works toward closing the gender gap in its labour force, prioritising women's safety on the streets and in workplaces will play a pivotal role in reaching the full potential of its female workforce, driving growth, and contributing to the nation's long-term economic success.
The writer is the founder of Women on Wheel, a Bangladeshi platform that offers services like driving instruction, information sharing, emergency support, and priority services. She can be reached at frn.farhana@gmail.com