ISBN: 978-984-33-9984-7

CPD and MJF (2015)

Promoting Socio-economic Justice for Women

In developing world, women comprise half of the entire population and they are the poorest of the poor not merely in wealth but in every other index of development. In relation to 55% women are directly or indirectly attached with agricultural activities around the world. On the basis of women's role in mainstream economy; Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) had published a research based manuscript on "Estimating Women's Contribution to the Economy: The Case of Bangladesh" in 2015.

This volume is edited by Fahmida Khatun, Towfiqul Islam Khan, Shahida pervin and Hosna Jahan. Researchers explain women i the economy of Bangladesh, estimate time spent by both women and men on all types of daily activities, economic value of woman's uncounted activities, generate recommendations to clarify the woman's status in the family and society.

Writers elucidate the employment status by sex and location. In national level, regular paid female employee 21.8%, self-employed and employee 56%, day labourer 6.9% and others 15.3%. Author critically explains the divisional labour force distribution in Bangladesh which are - Barisal, male(2.3%) and female(7.4%); Chittagong, male(2.9%) and female(2.5%); Dhaka, male(1.8%) and female(8.1); Khulna, male(2.8%) and female(7.9%); Rajshahi, male( 2.5%) and female(7.6%); Rangpur, male( 2.4%) and female(7.6%) and finally Sylhet, male(2.9%) and female(7.3%).

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, 37 million people in the developing world suffered acute or chronic poisoning due to exposure to toxic pesticides. Women are usually at greater risk of sickness or morbidity due to pesticide poisoning than men because they are more likely to work without protective equipments and are less aware about the harmful consequences of such chemicals.

This book may contribute to decreasing the workload of women in the household, increase accessibility to drinking water and natural gas for cooking. Women collect essential items − fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, fuel wood, fodder, water, etc. As forest products provide the basic needs of the family, women have a close relationship with the forest. They know how to plant trees, take care of gardens and domestic animals.

Collection of water is solely within the domain of women and girls. They are responsible for collecting water and for controlling its use. It is the women who have the knowledge of the location, reliability and quality of the local water resources. Women are in close contact with nature not only as consumers but also as producers and managers of natural resources.

Researchers recommend eliminating wage discrimination against women, NGO's role in women's physical, mental health improvement. Writers advise to policy makers and politicians to form policies which are helpful for women. University studies should emphasize research on women's right and their health status, economic efficiency, social recognition, political participation, authors explain.

This book is very much fundamental for the women's and gender studies researchers, development planners, students of economics, social sciences and political sciences.

Reviewed By Shishir Reza Environmental Analyst and Associate Member, Bangladesh Economic Association.