Gender Inequality in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focused on gender inequality and its impact on socio-economic development of rural households in Bangladesh. To know the main reasons and areas of gender inequality and its impact on household development the study was carried out in five villages of Sadar Upazilla of Mymensingh District. Data were collected from a purposively drawn sample of 85 from 900 rural households. The study indicated that disparity exists in targeted area, which on many grounds affects the development of rural households. Findings indicated that women had no or low share in income/ earnings of the family, that there was no equal status of women, female were not allowed to work outside home, women were more vulnerable to poverty, women share more burden of productive and household work. The women’s participation rate was higher in cleaning house, child care, cooking and preparation of meal and lowest in case of tree plantation, dairy farming, poultry rearing etc. About 88 per cent women contributed to increase their family income. Male members dominated in household decision, there was no equal opportunity in higher education, physical and mental health for women, and women were facing difficulties in labor market. The participation rate of women in many decisions making process such as marriage, education of sons and daughters, buying health care facilities, use of contraceptive and participating NGOs were very low. Gender inequality increases maternal mortality (92 per cent agree), increase fertility (88 per cent agree), increase dowry (88 per cent agree) and domestic violence (89 per cent agree). Social norms and values restricted women to participate in development activities.