Workshop on Social Justice, Social Protection for Marginalized Working People
- On August 18, 2024, the Bangladesh Social Protection Advocacy Network (BSPAN) organized a workshop on “Social Justice and Social Protection for Marginalized Working People” at the U-Multipurpose Hall, Mirpur, Dhaka, funded by WSM. The event brought together 30 participants from various stakeholder groups to discuss the challenges and opportunities in ensuring social protection for marginalized populations in Bangladesh. The workshop aimed to raise awareness, increase access to government benefits and allowances, and gather feedback to inform policy recommendations for strengthening the country’s social safety net.The workshop covered key topics across three sessions. The first session provided an overview of Bangladesh’s social protection programs, including cash transfers and food security initiatives such as pensions for retired government employees, old-age allowances, and rural infrastructure development. These programs accounted for 63.45% of the national safety net budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing poverty and inequality. The second session focused on the challenges faced by workers in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, including occupational health and safety risks, the history of workplace accidents, and the limitations of current compensation mechanisms. The third session highlighted labor welfare initiatives, including the Labor Welfare Fund, Central Fund, and Employment Insurance Scheme, which provide vital financial and social support to workers.Key takeaways from the workshop included a better understanding of the available social protection programs, the identification of significant gaps such as limited coverage for informal sector workers and insufficient workplace compensation, and the development of policy recommendations to enhance the system’s inclusivity and effectiveness. The discussions underscored the urgent need for reforms to expand coverage, improve compensation mechanisms, and enforce safety standards more effectively.The workshop successfully raised awareness among participants, encouraged meaningful dialogue, and generated valuable insights to inform future policies. It highlighted the importance of continued efforts to strengthen social protection systems in Bangladesh to ensure that marginalized workers have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
