Background:
The Bangladesh Social Protection Advocacy Network (BSPAN), established in 2017, works to promote social protection for marginalized people and workers.
Objective:
The event aimed to advance Gender Responsive Social Protection (GRSP) in Bangladesh by raising awareness, identifying challenges and opportunities, and integrating GRSP into the National Social Security Strategy II.
Key Discussions:
- Theme Presentation: Tahsin Tabassum provided an overview of GRSP, its significance, implementation in Bangladesh, and global best practices.
- Open Discussion:
- Ahsan Habib Shimul emphasized the need for greater awareness of social protection schemes and suggested extending the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS).
- Shahidullah Badal highlighted issues in distributing COVID-19 relief funds and recommended simplifying project frameworks.
- Speakers urged the government to recognize informal economy workers, particularly women home-based workers.
- Calls for reskilling precarious workers, paternity leave policies, and more sustainable skill-based training programs were made.
- Workplace rights violations, including the lack of appointment letters and identity cards, were raised.
- The need for social media campaigns to raise awareness and inclusion of construction workers in the EIS was discussed.
- Suggestions included reskilling workers in different languages for better remittance opportunities and providing career counseling for youth.
Remarks by Discussants:
- Department of Labour Director: Highlighted GRSP’s role in empowering women and called for collaborative efforts in childcare and skill development.
- UNDP Senior Researcher: Discussed integrating gender perspectives in upcoming social protection programs and emphasized childcare facilities at workplaces.
Chief Guest Address (Dr. Md. Moktar Hossain, Ministry of Social Welfare):
He stressed the need for GRSP to combat poverty and promote women’s empowerment through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, urging collaboration with stakeholders.
Conclusion:
Saki Rezwana summarized the discussions and closed the event with a call for continued efforts in advancing GRSP in Bangladesh.
