Ms.Farhtheeba Rahat Khan
Team Leader for the ‘Working with Women’ project implemented by SNV
Title: Ensuring women health in readymade garments (rmg) industry
Biography
Biography: Ms.Farhtheeba Rahat Khan
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Bangladesh is the world’s third largest garment producer. An estimated 3,000+ factories currently employ some 4 million workers and 85% of them are women. The industry is the single largest source of employment for 14-35 year old women, largely migrants from rural areas and from disadvantaged backgrounds. These women have limited or almost no access to healthcare. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Most workers do not know the importance of sexual and reproductive health. Health issues including malnutrition, communicable diseases, and pregnancy complications, incorrect use of family planning materials, reproductive infections and diseases undermine their productivity. Findings: The incidence of suffering from health issues was found higher among married (66%) workers in comparison to unmarried workers (44%). Elder workers appear to be more prone to SRHR issues than younger workers. Family Planning (31%), MR/Menstrual Hygiene/Abortion/Unwanted pregnancy (24%) and Menstrual Hygiene (19%) were the top-3 SRHR issues. Due to long working hours with little time to spare, and financial constraints a significant portion of the workers are unable to seek healthcare services and commodities from the formal providers. In addition, there is social stigma that hinder them from accessing proper healthcare.89% access pharmacies and unqualified providers. Illness leads them to loss of paid days. Women report missing up to 4-6 days work a month because of reproductive health issues. In the absence of affordable healthcare services, and no support/subsidy from government, women end up with a huge medical expenditure, which in turn lowers their financial capacity leading to poor living conditions, poverty and affecting women empowerment. Conclusion & Significance: Sustainable healthcare solutions that ensure easily accessible and affordable services for RMG workers need to be established across the sector. And a holistic approach from information to behavioural change towards availing services needs to be in place