Stitching a Healthier Future: Ensuring SRHR for Women in the RMG Industry

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is ingrained into matters of gender inequality. Where gender discrimination exists, the negligence of SRHR persists. 

In over 4,000 factories in Bangladesh, out of the 51 lakh workers, around 65% are women. A large portion of these females are at the peak of their reproductive health – aged 18-32. Workers are often affected by sexual and reproductive diseases and issues like poor hygienic conditions, and they are often unable to manage their menstrual health properly.

That is why when discussing matters of gender discrimination, it is important to look at the condition of SRHR in garment factories.

The fifth Sustainable Development Goal is gender equality. It was developed with the aim of resolving major global issues by 2030. Almost every country still experiences gender discrimination, albeit in a different way. Its presence is widespread in Bangladesh, particularly in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

A study found that 95% of female garment workers use dirty rags or rejected fabrics during their menstruation, while 20% remain absent due to illnesses related to menstrual hygiene. The economic loss of absenteeism is estimated to be around Tk300,000,000 per annum.

This is reflective of how improper sexual and reproductive health and rights management hampers female workers’ growth and productivity, in comparison to men.

On the other hand, industry owners lose a considerable amount of profit and delay scheduled consignments, which undermines their position vis-a-vis international clients. Thus, this shows that a worker’s sexual and reproductive health does have an economic impact on the industry as well.

So, can we realise the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights in RMGs?

SRHR refers to the right to access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, as well as information. Access to SRHR services and information is considered an aspect of human rights.

Bangladesh is obligated to provide such services and resources, as it is a signatory to multiple international conventions including the CEDAW – Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

In reality, menstruation health is not managed properly; there is a lack of resources for family planning, and low accessibility of antenatal and postnatal care for mothers in Bangladesh’s RMG sector. Women are also vulnerable to sexual harassment.

The unfortunate part of this is that many of the challenges could be mitigated by providing proper resources and information on sexual and reproductive health

Providing informed workers with sexual and reproductive health services can in return lead to increased productivity and lower absenteeism, both of which will  contribute to a stable economy.

Additionally, it encourages people to be health conscious, which will support their career and personal growth. To guarantee gender equality, decent working conditions, and overall, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is imperative to incorporate SRHR services within the RMG industry.

Both garment owners and workers are not trained to speak the language of SRHR and gender. We need to bridge this gap and do more training and awareness-building programmes in garment factories.

A majority of workers have little knowledge of sexual health as womens’ issues are not prioritised when tackling social issues.

It is imperative that we discuss these issues openly. It is important to keep in mind that this matter is not only in the hands of women, it is a shared responsibility.

We have to break all the taboos concerning sexual and reproductive health and rights ingrained in our psycho-social structure. By ensuring access to SRHR services and education, women can make informed decisions about their health, thus contributing to their overall well-being and socio-economic status.

Menstrual regulation and psychosexual counselling could also be incorporated in RMGs to make garment workers aware of it, and have smooth access to SRHR. In order to protect female workers’ sexual and reproductive health and maintain a stable economy, the RMGs should include a clause pertaining to access to SRHR.

This serves as a gentle reminder to the government and decision-makers to create an equitable Bangladesh.

Source: The Business Standard 
Source Contributor: Md Ariful Islam is a social researcher. His area of interests cover SRHR, gender justice and social inclusion. He is working as a Young Fellow at Oxfam in Bangladesh and also serving as a young researcher at Share-Net Bangladesh
Picture Credit: The Business Standard