Unicef to stand by women in garment sector

The Unicef will support garment and knitwear manufacturing factories to provide breastfeeding spaces and breaks, childcare facilities, paid maternity leave, cash benefits, health care, employment protection and a safe work environment to working mothers and pregnant women.

To this end, the United Nations Children's Fund has teamed up with the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

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The support will be provided under the UNICEF-led "Mothers@Work" initiative, said the UN agency in a press release today.

"Evidence shows that paid time off, support for breastfeeding and antenatal services contribute to healthier children and happier families as well as gender equality, workforce productivity and sustainable economic growth."

Bangladesh is the second-largest clothing exporter in the world, contributing about 11 per cent to the country's gross domestic product.

Over half of the nearly four million people working in garment factories are women of reproductive age. However, a 2018 Unicef survey revealed gaps in the provision of breaks and private spaces for breastfeeding, which is critical to children's health and development.

 "Providing targeted support to women in the workforce and ensuring women can earn a living, while also having the needed support to care for their children, is critical for women and their children and is an investment that benefits all," said Sheldon Yett, Unicef's representative to Bangladesh.

Building on lessons learned from a Unicef pilot project, the partnership will improve working conditions for 130,000 women and provide better nutrition services, and day-care facilities to 8,000 children.

Starting in 80 factories, the initiative will gradually reach more than 4,000 factories.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said: "It is imperative to keep the workplace safe and welcoming for mothers and pregnant women working in garment factories to protect their well-being and ensure that their children receive key nutrients necessary to support a baby's healthy development."

"We commit to building a conducive work environment for mothers in our knitwear sector, for the benefit of our workers, their children who are the future of our nation and for our businesses," BKMEA President AKM Salim Osman said.