A recent study has revealed that childcare is a significant barrier to workforce participation, with 54 per cent of parents identifying it as a major factor influencing their ability to do paid work.
The findings highlight the challenges faced by women, particularly in Bangladesh, where inadequate childcare facilities severely impact their participation in the labour market.
Research and Policy Integration for Development executive director Abu Eusuf presented the findings of the study at the launch of the 鈥楻oadmap for childcare in Bangladesh鈥� on Sunday at Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in the city.
The roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs with technical support from the International Labour Organisation, aims at establishing an accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare system supported by a strong governance and regulatory framework.
The Research and Policy Integration for Development, a local think tank, has provided research support in developing the roadmap.
The roadmap has been designed to serve as a building block for a dynamic childcare services delivery system, said the speakers at the event.
This roadmap is based on the recommendations of the study, they said.
According to the study findings, Of those surveyed, 34 per cent reported a decline in job performance due to childcare challenges, while 18 per cent were forced to quit their jobs, and 13 per cent turned down job offers altogether.
The issue is particularly pressing for women with young children.
International Labour Organisation country director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutianen said that globally, and particularly in Asia and the Pacific, the responsibility of childcare remains a significant barrier for women entering and staying in the workforce.
