Speakers at a discussion on Monday underscored the need for implementation of women-friendly policies at workplaces in ready-made garments (RMG) sector to ensure an ideal working atmosphere which will be convenient for all women workers.They also urged the authorities concerned to increase basic salary of the workers to help them lead a decent life and save money for their future, reports BSS.The speakers made the call at the discussion marking release of a survey report titled “Understanding the Challenges at Workplace for Women Workers in RMG Sector in Bangladesh” at Sonargaon Hotel in the city.Care Bangladesh (CB) conducted the survey on 150 garments workers in 64 factories.Karmojibi Nari in association with CARE Bangladesh (CB) organised the discussion while Rajshahi University (RU) Professor Jakir Hossain presented the survey report on behalf of CB.”Each and every female worker has the right to have a decent life and they should also know the procedures of rights enjoyment, establishment and its violations,” Workers Safety Forum Convener Dr Hameeda Hossain said.She also laid emphasize on the provisions to provide transport facilities to garment workers during night duty to ensure security for the women in the sector.”Women, working in the RMG sector, hardly get maternity leave, day care and breastfeeding arrangement in their workplaces,” Rajshahi University (RU) Professor Jakir Hossain said.”They are facing verbal, mental and physical harassment at workplaces due to various discriminations”, he added.The survey also showed that around 71.3% of RMG female workers are facing mental harassments like fearing of losing job.General Secretary Jatiya Press Club Farida Yeasmin, and Centre for Policy Dialogue Research Director Dr Khondokar Golam Moazzem addressd the discussion chaired by Karmojibi Nari President Dr Pratima Paul Majumder.
