Shattered innocence: uncovering the epidemic of sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research
ISSN: 1759-6599
Article publication date: 24 July 2024
Issue publication date: 6 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the prevalence and patterns of workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate workplace sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data collection spanned four months, using structured interviews, self-administered questionnaires and qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. A stratified random sampling technique ensured a diverse representation across sectors like garment manufacturing, domestic work and construction. Quantitative data from 384 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data provided practical insights into participants' experiences. Limitations included sample specificity to Dhaka, underreporting bias and potential biases in self-reported data, impacting generalizability and data validity.
Findings
The findings reveal significant demographic trends, with younger age groups (16–35 years) experiencing higher rates of harassment, particularly within the garment industry. Occupation-wise, garment workers report more incidents of harassment, while housemaids and child domestic workers face comparatively lower risks. The length of time in current employment shows mixed correlations with harassment prevalence. Fears of job loss, social stigma and reliance on internal resolution mechanisms within workplaces influence reporting behaviors.
Practical implications
This research highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions to protect young women in the garment sector and vulnerable occupations from sexual harassment. Policy reforms should enhance reporting mechanisms and address cultural barriers to reporting, ensuring safer workplaces and fair treatment for all female workers in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This research contributes original insights by examining demographic correlates of sexual harassment across diverse occupations in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It uniquely identifies age-related vulnerabilities, occupational disparities and reporting behaviors, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing sexual violence in a critical socio-economic context.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This study was conducted under the author’s self-funding; no funds were available from any authority. The author also declares that this research received no specific funding from any public, private or not-for-profit sector funding body.
Availability of data and material: The author ensures that the data and materials used in this study comply with journal standards and are available in the manuscript.
Consent for publication: The author confirms that the manuscript’s content has not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere and gives explicit consent to publish it in this journal.
Conflicts of interest/competing interests: The author confirms no conflict of interest.
Citation
Husain, T. (2024), "Shattered innocence: uncovering the epidemic of sexual violence against women workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 414-426. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-04-2024-0900
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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