Meher Afroz Chumki, State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) said that female Workers in Readymade Garment (RMG) industry are the main contributor to country’s economy. “Women are contributing to various fields but especially the RMG sector; their contribution to this sector is enormous,” she said at a Sewing Machine distribution to the Women Labourers League organised by Directorate of Women on Thursday. About 40 lakhs female workers are engaged in RMG sector which is the main source of foreign currency earning. RMG Industry is one of the major contributors to Bangladesh economy in terms of employment, production, export and foreign exchange earnings. RMG share in GDP is 13 percent, it also adds value to 78 percent of total exportables. Dwelling on the present status of women workers in various sectors Chumki, who was present at the function as chief guest, also said that about three crore women are engaged in different fields cannot sell their products due to lack of access to the market. “Bangladesh will reach its expected destination before the stipulated time, If these huge quantity of products are ensured of market access,” she said. Shahin Ahmed Chowdhury, Director General of Directorate, Directorate of Women Affairs presided over the programme while Raushan Jahan Sathi, President of Women Labourer League, was present as special guest. Besides Jakir Hossain, Director of Directorate of Women Affairs and Shamsunnahar Bhuiyan also spoke at the programme. The State Minister distributed about 50 sewing machines and ensured that her ministry will distribute 100 more machines very soon.
