Bangladeshi workers in Gulf States are heavily exploited -- whether it be with wages, racism, or over-worked hours, this is a fact we all know. However, there is a branch of this crisis that is the least addressed and perhaps most inhumane: Our female migrants working as househelps.
Gendered exploitation and systemic abuse
Unlike male migrants who often work in visible, regulated sectors like construction, female migrants are predominantly employed in private homes. This secluded work environment makes them particularly vulnerable to various forms of abuse. Reports reveal that nearly two-thirds of these women experience physical or psychological abuse at the hands of their employers (International Organization for Migration and Migrant Rights).
The kafala system exacerbates their plight by binding their legal status to their employers, stripping them of their autonomy. Employers frequently confiscate passports and restrict their movements, trapping these women in cycles of exploitation (UN Women).
Despite some Gulf countries introducing reforms, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many employers continue to exploit these women with impunity. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of labour protections in domestic work settings, yet progress remains limited because there isn’t enough pressure on the authorities for them to care.
Psychological and social impact
The psychological toll on these women is immense. Isolated from their families and unable to communicate effectively due to language barriers, they often suffer from depression and anxiety. The stigma associated with female migration in Bangladesh compounds these challenges. Upon their return, instead of being appreciated, these women are accused of tarnishing their family’s honour.
The impact extends beyond the women themselves and to their children left behind. Without their mothers, these kids are neglected and have long-term developmental issues (OKUP), meaning the country loses out on productive citizens.
The plight of Bangladeshi female migrant workers in the Gulf is not merely a labour issue; it is a matter of human dignity
Systemic solutions: A holistic approach
Strengthening bilateral agreements between Bangladesh and Gulf countries is crucial to ensuring better protections for these women. Agreements should mandate the establishment of support centres in host countries, offering legal aid, counselling, and safe havens for those in distress. These centres should be staffed by individuals trained in gender-sensitive approaches, ensuring that the specific needs of female workers are met. Newly arrived female workers must be routinely tracked and communicated with to ensure they are in an ethical work environment.
Pre-departure training programs in Bangladesh must also be expanded and made more comprehensive. These programs should not only focus on job-specific skills but also include education on legal rights, language skills, and financial literacy. Empowering women with this knowledge can significantly reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Sectors like the restaurant industry must be opened up to female migrants, to make more efficient use of their human capital and elevate their self-esteem.
Addressing societal stigma is equally important. Community-based awareness programs in Bangladesh can help shift societal attitudes by highlighting the economic contributions of female migrants and challenging the negative stereotypes that fuel discrimination. Such initiatives can play a crucial role in reducing the social ostracism that many women face upon their return.
A call for humane and ethical migration policies
The plight of Bangladeshi female migrant workers in the Gulf is not merely a labour issue; it is a matter of human dignity. These women are more than just workers; they are mothers, daughters, and sisters whose sacrifices significantly contribute to the economies of both the Gulf and Bangladesh. It is imperative that both sending and receiving countries take concrete steps to protect their rights and well-being.
They deserve to be seen, heard, and protected. Only through concerted efforts can we ensure that their struggles are not in vain and that they are treated with the respect and dignity they rightfully deserve.
Kazi Rafsan Mahboob is a student at Sir John Wilson School.
