Social Dialogue as an Enabling Mechanism for Gender Equality on the Labour Market – Experiences from the RMG-sector in Bangladesh

In many sectors, women workers constitute more than half of the workforce. Yet, women often have poorer working conditions and are at higher risk of being subjected to gender-based violence at the workplace. Sweden and the EU are strong supporters of gender equality and strengthening women’s active participation in the labour market globally. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign and Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the importance of empowering women and achieving gender equality at the workplace. It is about making globalization work for everyone and contributing to the 2030 Agenda, especially the SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 8 on Decent Work.

Sweden and Bangladesh, in close cooperation with the ILO, the European Union and other relevant stakeholders, are committed to and have a strong ownership of the Decent Work Agenda. Sweden and Bangladesh are also a part of the Global Deal Initiative, a global multi-stakeholder partnership promoting inclusive growth while addressing the challenges in the global labour market. At the heart of both the Decent Work Agenda and the Global Deal lies Social Dialogue. It is a proven method to enable tripartism and an environment for dialogue between the parties on the labour market. Social Dialogue is also an important mechanism to ensure a gender responsive work environment and to achieve gender equality at the workplace. Through the project “Promoting Social Dialogue and Harmonious Industrial Relations (SDIR) in Bangladesh Ready-Made Garment (RMG) Industry”, jointly funded by the Governments of Sweden and Denmark, the ILO works to enhance workplace rights and industrial relations in the Bangladesh RMG sector.