Story perspectives

Bangladesh's Automation Crisis: Female Manufacturing Jobs Halved

10/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Female employment in urban manufacturing in Bangladesh has sharply declined, especially in the garment sector, due to increased automation.
Urban female participation in the workforce fell from 33% in 2013 to 23% in 2024, while the number of women in manufacturing halved from 38 lakh to 19.5 lakh.
Despite overall female employment rising, the shift to capital-intensive production has reduced labor demand, disproportionately affecting women in low-wage roles.
Skill disparities further hinder women's transition to other sectors, exacerbating the employment crisis.

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Story summary

Female employment in urban manufacturing in Bangladesh has sharply declined, especially in the garment sector, due to increased automation.
Urban female participation in the workforce fell from 33% in 2013 to 23% in 2024, while the number of women in manufacturing halved from 38 lakh to 19.5 lakh.
Despite overall female employment rising, the shift to capital-intensive production has reduced labor demand, disproportionately affecting women in low-wage roles.
Skill disparities further hinder women's transition to other sectors, exacerbating the employment crisis.