Bridging the Gender Gap in Rural Development: Analyzing Socio-Economic Barriers and Opportunities for Women in Bangladesh
Keywords:
Gender gap, rural development, socio-economic barriers, women's empowerment, BangladeshAbstract
The persistent gender gap in rural development constitutes a significant obstacle to Bangladesh's efforts towards inclusive growth. Despite notable progress in women's rights and policy commitments, rural women still encounter structural and socio-economic barriers that restrict their complete involvement in development processes. This study analyses gender disparity by examining the key obstacles and potential opportunities that influence rural women's roles in socio-economic development. The research problem was based on the evident deficiency in representation and resource access for women in rural areas, who constitute more than 50% of the rural population. The study's rationale is rooted in the increasing need for gender-sensitive policy reforms aimed at improving rural women's agency and economic contributions.
The primary aim of the research was to analyses the socio-economic barriers and facilitating factors that affect women's active participation in rural development sectors, including agriculture, local governance, and entrepreneurship. A mixed-method approach was utilized to collect data from 400 respondents across five districts through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative analysis indicated that 64% of respondents reported limited access to credit, whereas 71% recognized patriarchal norms as significant constraints. In contrast, 58% recognized that the involvement of NGOs generated new livelihood opportunities. Findings indicated that although institutional support was present, it frequently did not reach the most marginalized women due to insufficient outreach and awareness. The research findings indicate that the gender gap necessitates collaboration among multiple stakeholders, inclusive planning, and specific policy interventions to promote equitable participation. The findings highlight the necessity for gender-transformative rural development policies in Bangladesh.
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