Staff Correspondent
To strengthen gender-responsive chemical management and occupational health and safety (OHS), the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DoE) and project partners, hosted the National Stakeholders Consultation on the Gender Action Plan in the Textile Sector in Dhaka.
Held under the regional project "Reducing Uses and Releases of Chemicals of Concern, Including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), in the Textiles Sector," the consultation brought together government officials, technical experts, and industry stakeholders.
The discussion centered on addressing gender-specific occupational challenges, improving workplace safety, and boosting women’s participation in decision-making processes.
Although women form a massive part of Bangladesh’s textile workforce, experts noted they often face heightened risks due to differences in job responsibilities, chemical exposure, training access, and personal protective equipment (PPE). A core focus of the event was the presentation of the national gender assessment findings and the draft National Gender Action Plan (NGAP), which outlines practical frameworks and measurable targets for factories and government agencies.
Key Remarks from Dignitaries and Experts:
Kazi Suman, Deputy Director, DoE & National Focal Point (NFP): Highlighted that the regional initiative—spanning Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Vietnam—aims to reduce hazardous chemicals through inventories in 125 factories, having already successfully substituted safer alternatives in two pilot factories alongside capacity-building efforts.
Dr. Mahfuzul Haque, National Project Coordinator: Noted that among the over three million workers in Bangladesh's textile sector, women are particularly vulnerable to POPs and chemicals of concern linked to reproductive health risks.
Dr. Anton Purnomo, Director, BCRC-SEA (Indonesia): Shared regional goals to reach 10,000 direct beneficiaries (60% women) through priorities focused on gender-responsive OHS, enhanced opportunities, and sustainable, measurable actions.
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Regional Gender Expert: Pointed out that while women comprise 48.5% of the workforce across 25 assessed textile mills in Bangladesh, they remain underrepresented in wet processing and managerial roles, calling for equal access to safety training and equipment.
Siddika Sultana, National Gender Expert: Emphasized that effective execution of the draft NGAP requires shared ownership among government bodies, factories, and workers to address gaps in sex-disaggregated data and safety protocols.
Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Serving as the chief guest, he noted that the Environment Conservation Rules 2023 set standards for 15 chemicals across 13 industrial sectors. He urged factories to operate both biological and chemical ETPs to curb pollution in the Turag, Shitalakkhya, and Buriganga rivers.
Professor Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Senior Technical Advisor, ESDO: Stated that gender should be approached through equity and justice, covering all exposed workers, and clarified that the project pilots safer alternatives to encourage a shift toward green chemicals.
Parvez Chowdhury, Director, DoE (Event Moderator): Concluded in his closing remarks that since women make up nearly half of the workforce, the solution is not to exclude them from chemical-intensive wet processing, but to make every workplace safe for them.