Struggles and Heartbreaks: The Plight of Bangladeshi Female Migrant Laborers

Struggles and Heartbreaks: The Plight of Bangladeshi Female Migrant Laborers

In the rural villages of Bangladesh, young women like Jyotsna are often married and find themselves working on farming and livestock with their husbands. However, due to the impact of climate change, Jyotsna's husband lost his source of income, leading to changes in his behaviour and forcing Jyotsna to seek work elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Jyotsna's journey led her to Keraniganj, where she was subjected to sexual harassment, physical and mental abuse, and fatigue caused by insufficient rest. The situation worsened when she was forced to migrate to Saudi Arabia as a domestic worker, where she faced further violence and changed employers three times, but the abuse continued.

Jyotsna's story is not unique. Many Bangladeshi women migrant workers in Saudi Arabia endure similar experiences of abuse, exploitation, physical violence, torture, and sexual violence. They face unethical recruitment practices, poor working conditions, and violations of their rights, with limited access to justice or support.

Shariful Hasan, the Head of BRAC Migration Programme, has been vocal about the issue. He opines that while Bangladesh claims to be a middle-income country, it continues to send women as housemaids to Saudi Arabia. He suggests that if the state insists on sending workers to Saudi Arabia, all issues must be resolved beforehand, such as ensuring valid passports and proper training. He also proposes that it would be better if Bangladesh could provide training to its female migrant workers and send them as caregivers or nurses instead of housemaids.

To protect and ensure their rights, several measures are being proposed or advocated. These include better enforcement of existing comprehensive migration laws, the establishment of a dedicated arbitration department to handle complaints and ensure fair compensation for victims of abuse, providing support services through Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, and calling on the governments of Saudi Arabia and other host countries to take legal action against unethical recruitment agents and abusive employers.

However, challenges remain in providing justice and adequate protection. There is often a silent consensus to ignore abuses as long as remittances continue flowing. Between 2017 and 2022, 709 Bangladeshi women migrant workers died abroad, most while working as housemaids. Around 62% of all female migrant suicides happened in Saudi Arabia.

To combat gender-based violence, organisations like Badabon Sangho are working with women and girls in informal settlements to develop a reporting tool. Ayesha Akter, Programme Associate of Badabon Sangho, stated that many women migrate to Dhaka or foreign countries for jobs and income, but often endure different levels of suffering, including violence.

In summary, the plight of Bangladeshi women migrant workers in Saudi Arabia is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. Abuse, exploitation, and violence are common experiences, and the key protective measures focus on law enforcement, legal recourse, diplomatic support, and combating corrupt recruitment practices. However, systemic barriers and weak implementation continue to hamper effective protection.

1. Science and technology can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by Bangladeshi women migrant workers by developing reporting tools for gender-based violence.
2. Climate change has a significant impact on the rural villages of Bangladesh, leading to loss of income sources and forcing women like Jyotsna to seek work elsewhere.
3. The workplace-wellness of a woman migrant worker is often compromised due to sexual harassment, physical and mental abuse, and fatigue caused by insufficient rest.
4. The healthcare system should provide better support and therapies-and-treatments for victims of abuse and violence, addressing medical-conditions such as mental health, digestive health, respiratory conditions, skin conditions, eye health, and hearing issues.
5. In the manufacturing industry, it's crucial to ensure fair treatment of workers, as many Bangladeshi women migrant workers face unfair working conditions and violations of their rights.
6. The finance sector has a role to play in supporting women migrant workers by offering wealth-management services, investment options, and personal-finance advice.
7. Jyotsna's story serves as a reminder of the vital importance of women's health, including sexual, reproductive, and general health.
8. As Jyotsna was forced to migrate to Saudi Arabia for work, it highlights the role of the retail sector in the nation's economy and the impact on its people.
9. The transportation industry plays a significant role in the lives of migrant workers, connecting them to their destinations and sometimes exposing them to dangerous situations.
10. The environmental-science community should raise awareness about the environmental impacts of climate change and their role in pushing women like Jyotsna out of their traditional roles.
11. Cybersecurity is essential in protecting women from online harassment and abuse, particularly for those who travel to foreign countries for employment opportunities.
12. Lifestyle choices can greatly influence a woman's health and well-being, making it imperative to promote health-and-wellness initiatives in less privileged communities.
13. Fashion-and-beauty companies have the power to contribute to the empowerment of women by creating clothing and cosmetic lines that cater specifically to working women.
14. Food-and-drink establishments should ensure their practices do not contribute to digestive health issues among their customers or workers.
15. In the realm of education-and-self-development, providing resources on personal-growth and big-wins can help empower women and improve their overall quality of life.
16. Jyotsna's experiences demonstrate the need for improved home-and-garden safety measures, raising awareness about relationships and how they can potentially be abusive.
17. Businesses should prioritize ethical labor practices and investing in women's empowerment programs, as seen in the proposal to train female migrant workers as caregivers or nurses instead of housemaids.
18. The banking-and-insurance sector should consider offering insurance policies specifically designed to cover the risks associated with migration and protect women in the event of abuse or exploitation.
19. The industry must work towards creating a culture that values equality, respect, and dignity for all workers, particularly women who face unique challenges in the workplace.
20. Social-media platforms have the potential to be powerful tools for change, encouraging discourse on issues like gender-based violence and championing women's rights.
21. The movies-and-tv industry can contribute to the conversation about women's rights and gender-based violence by creating more relatable and empowering content for women.
22. Career-development programs should include modules on understanding and combating inequality in the workplace and the importance of mental health support.
23. Casinos and gambling can be a source of income for some women, but the casino-and-gambling sector must address issues like gambling addiction and combating unethical practices that exploit vulnerable individuals.
24. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a powerful tool in identifying patterns of abuse and discrimination against women, aiding law enforcement and advocacy organizations.
25. The overwhelming number of crimes and injustices committed against women, as seen in the statistics on deaths and suicides, serves as a call to action for the justice system to take these cases more seriously.
26. Politicians should advocate for stricter laws and policies to protect the rights of women migrant workers, ensuring their safety in the workplace and in foreign countries.
27. The cultural stigma around reporting abuse and seeking help can discourage many women from speaking out, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces and speaking up against injustices.
28. Traveling to foreign countries for work exposes women to new cultures and language barriers, potentially making it challenging for them to access resources or report abuses.
29. The autoimmune disorders that may develop as a result of stress and trauma experienced by women like Jyotsna highlight the need for holistic care and support.
30. Books, particularly those centered around personal growth, empowerment, and resilience, can serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement for women facing challenging circumstances.
31. The impact of climate change extends beyond Bangladesh, affecting the environmental-science field and industries reliant on our planet's resources, such as energy and manufacturing.
32. Governments and international organizations must collaborate to implement comprehensive changes in policy and practice, addressing issues like corruption, labor rights, and human rights, to ensure the safety and well-being of women migrant workers worldwide.

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