UNICEF partners with the Bangladesh garment industry to support mothers at work
| Under the UNICEF-led Mothers@Work initiative, UNICEF and the Bangladesh Garments’ Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) will support factories to provide breastfeeding spaces and breaks, childcare facilities, paid maternity leave, cash benefits, health care, employment protection and a safe work environment for working mothers and pregnant women. 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’s garment industry 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 4 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 for 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 Mr Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. Building on lessons learned from a UNICEF pilot project, this partnership will improve working conditions for 130,000 women and provide better nutrition services, and day-care facilities for 8,000 children. Starting in 80 factories, the initiative will gradually increase aiming to ultimately reach over 4,000 factories in Bangladesh. “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,” said Mr Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA. “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,” said Mr Salim Osman, President of BKMEA. UNICEF is also engaging with the Government as a way to sustain and scale up Mothers@Work programme. ### Notes for editors: © UNICEF/ UNI253566/HimuPaid 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. Download high-res photos here About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org About the BKMEABangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) was formed as a trade association to facilitate and promote knitwear business in 1996. BKMEA works closely with development agencies to enhance productivity and improve social compliance status of its member factories, promote workers welfare through centralized day care centre, health care centres and to produce sector related research, intensive training programmes to raise the productivity of workers. About the BGMEAThe Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is one of the largest trade associations in the country representing the readymade garment industry, particularly the woven garments, knitwear and sweater sub-sectors. Starting its journey in 1983, BGMEA takes care of an industry that is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy. BGMEA is dedicated to promoting the apparel industry through policy advocacy to the government, services to members, ensuring workers’ rights and social compliance in factories. BGMEA collaborates with local and international stakeholders, including brands and development partners to pave the way for the development of Bangladesh’s apparel industry. JOINT PRESS RELEASE Dhaka, 13 October, 2022 |