The Influence of Employment on the Socio-Economic Empowerment of Urban Women in Bangladesh

Abstract

In a patriarchal social structure like Bangladesh the role of women is confined to some definite work and position which is considered inferior to that of men. Even after numerous progresses in gender relation, the situation more or less remains the same in the context of their family roles and responsibilities that cause domestic violence. This is an empirical study that aims to identify the relationship between employment and women’s empowerment in urban areas of Bangladesh. Women’s “empowerment” in developing countries gained attention due to its significant influence in socio economic development of the country. The data has been collected using Non-probability purposive sampling technique from a total of 100 respondents in Dhaka city. Among them 50 were employed and 50 were unemployed women. To collect the primary data the questionnaire was designed using structured questionnaire to assess women’s empowerment with relation to their employment status. The result of this study suggests that the employed women have a greater likelihood of higher empowerment than unemployed women; however the relationship varies between empowerment indicators. This study will provide an insight into the factors that needs to be addressed to strengthen women empowerment in urban society.