A new project has jointly been launched by UNICEF and Bangladesh government called ‘Mothers@Work’ at Labour Ministry Auditorium in Dhaka. The project aims to support maternity rights of women workers and promote breastfeeding in the industrial sector, especially the ready-made garment sector.

The government further added this initiative comprises seven minimum standards including paid maternity leave; breastfeeding accommodations; provision of breastfeeding breaks and flexible working arrangements; and medical benefits and provision of day-care. These measures will address the challenges faced by young mothers who have to juggle between childcare and work.

UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Edouard Beigbeder pointed out most working women in the readymade garment industry are of reproductive age and many of them are mothers who are responsible for nurturing the next generation, yet the fear of losing their sole sources of income causes many women to return to work too soon, before they have even physically recovered and stopped breastfeeding.

Several labour union leaders, government officials, Directors and office-bearers of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) among others were present at the launch.