Economic strains on women in Bangladesh during COVID-19: Lessons for future crisis preparedness

Women comprise half of the population in Bangladesh, and their economic participation is substantially considerable in the country’s economy. However, unfortunately, women are the most vulnerable group in Bangladesh, considering their socioeconomic status. Women’s economic situation is fragile due to the nature of their socio-economic involvement. Besides, they are socially helpless, as they do not receive sufficient support from family, society, or the state. This research hypothesises that Bangladesh’s women’s economy faced higher strains than men's at the critical juncture of the pandemic crisis. This research argues that women in Bangladesh went through an intense time during COVID-19 due to financial and family stress. Considering their socioeconomic importance, women’s struggle for their lives and livelihoods is perilous for Bangladeshi people and society. This research finds that women faced pay cuts, lost their jobs, returned from abroad, saw their family income drop, and consequently experienced increased stress. This research calls for a holistic approach to supporting women to overcome economic hurdles and to draw on examples from COVID-19 to be prepared for the future crisis.