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Voices From the RMG Factories: Assessing Female Labourers' Perception Regarding Social Protection in the Ready‐Made Garments Industry of Bangladesh

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  • Subah Samara

Abstract

Female labourers of Bangladesh's ready‐made Garments sector face challenges due to inadequate wages and fewer workplace amenities. Despite their contribution to Bangladesh's blooming economy and making up 80% of the workforce, these labourers lack social protection services. Thus, they are potentially excluded from essential social and economic resources. This study investigates the experiences of 25 female labourers in the absence of social protection mechanisms through semi‐structured open‐ended interviews. Using a rights‐based approach, this study advocates the development of social protection policies, and identifies that, respondents demand social assistance programmes such as cash transfer and fund assistance for maintaining their families.

Suggested Citation

  • Subah Samara, 2026. "Voices From the RMG Factories: Assessing Female Labourers' Perception Regarding Social Protection in the Ready‐Made Garments Industry of Bangladesh," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(3), pages 539-552, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:38:y:2026:i:3:p:539-552
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.70072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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