Shaila Ahmed and Dr. Syeda Afroza Zerin

 With an increasing number of women entering government service and taking on vital responsibilities, the need for supportive infrastructure particularly child care facilities has become more pressing than ever. In Dhaka, where many female government officials juggle demanding jobs and family life, the absence of dependable day care options poses a major challenge.  According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), women currently make up approximately 24% of the total government workforce, a number that continues to grow due to gender-inclusive policies and rising female literacy and education rates. In urban areas like Dhaka, more than 35% of female employees are mothers of young children, as reported in a 2023 study by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

 Findings from recent assessments reveal that less than 15% of government offices in Dhaka have day care centers, and of those, many operate with severe limitations. Where such services exist, they often suffer from insufficient staffing (with caregiver-to-child ratios often exceeding 1:20), lack of proper training among caregivers, absence of safety and hygiene protocols, and cramped, poorly ventilated environments. As a result, working mothers are frequently left with no choice but to compromise on their careers or depend on unreliable and often unsafe alternatives.

 This shortfall not only hampers the well-being of mothers and their children but also affects workplace productivity and limits women’s career progression. A 2022 UNDP Bangladesh survey found that over 42% of female government employees had declined promotions or opted for part-time work due to inadequate child care support. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 5 women reported considering leaving their job altogether because of difficulties managing work and motherhood.

 The Government of Bangladesh has made strong commitments to advancing gender equity and empowering women, including under the National Women Development Policy. Establishing well-functioning, safe, and accessible day care facilities in government institutions would be a powerful step toward fulfilling those promises. It would ease the strain on working mothers, foster better work-life balance, and help retain skilled employees. Global research by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggests that every $1 invested in early childhood care can return $4 in increased productivity and retention.  In today’s pursuit of inclusive and effective governance, responding to the child care needs of female employees is not a luxury it is a matter of justice, workplace equality, and responsible policymaking. This is the moment to prioritize action.