Struggle for Life: Gender, Informality, and Resistance Among Women Construction Workers in Bangladesh

Abstract

This article examines the complex and often overlooked experiences of Bangladeshi women employed in the construction sector. These women face intersecting challenges including gender-based discrimination, social stigma, occupational hazards, and economic exploitation. Based on qualitative fieldwork including in-depth interviews with 20 women laborers at rural and semi-urban construction sites at Kurigram district in Bangladesh this study employs a feminist political economy lens to unpack how societal norms, labor practices, and policy gaps shape the realities of women construction workers. Findings reveal structural barriers to equality and safety, alongside narratives of resilience, community support, and resistance. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and advocacy strategies to enhance the protection, recognition, and empowerment of women in construction work.