Research

Bangladesh is currently the 7th most climate risk-affected country in the world. At the same time, human-induced climate change is one of the most pervasive threats to the environment and societies worldwide. Keeping both global and national scenarios in mind, one of the four pillars of ETI Bangladesh’s three-year strategy (2023-2025) concentrates on climate change and, just and inclusive green transitions. Adopting greener practices and transitioning towards environmentally friendly energy is crucial for Bangladesh’s economy to be competitive post-LDC graduation in 2026. The RMG sector is a key industry for Bangladesh, given its significant role in export earning generation, offering formal employment and enabling women empowerment. Globally, the garment and textile industries contribute to 10% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. And, in Bangladesh, the garment sector alone contributes to an estimated 15.4%. Hence, in this context, this perception study illuminates the current on-the-ground reality of the ready-made garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh and stakeholder attitudes towards climate change, just transitions and environmental sustainability.

Over the past 40 years, the growth of the ready-made garment industry (RMG) in Bangladesh has triggered a social change by generating considerable formal employment opportunities for women. The industry has made women visible in the labour market and empowered in society. However, in recent years the proportion of women workers in the sector has been on the decline. Women no longer comprise 80% of the labour force in the RMG sector – the most recent estimates show the share of women workers to be less than 55%. These changes have significant implications for women’s economic empowerment, as well as the well-being of their families and communities. It is also likely to impact on business models for manufacturers and buyers alike. It will also have a negative impact on the national development agenda.