Dormitory for Female Worker in EPZ in Bangladesh

Introduction

Safety comes first when we think about female worker in south Asia especially accommodation. It is really great news that Bangladesh Government has taken a great step to build hostel for female worker in all EPZ in Bangladesh. Everyone is expecting that if this project can be made true than both workers and investors will be benefited. Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are a hub for economic activity, but for female worker, finding safe and affordable housing can be a challenge. This is especially true in zones located far from urban centers. To address this need, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) launched the first-ever dormitory dedicated to female worker in Mongla EPZ in December 2021.

A First for Female Workers

The four-story Mongla dormitory signifies a significant step forward for female garment worker. With a capacity of 1,008 residents, the dormitory provides much-needed accommodation options, particularly for those who cannot commute daily from distant locations. This not only improves their personal safety but also reduces commutes, allowing them to dedicate more time to rest and family.

Understanding the Need

EPZs serve as magnets for a diverse workforce, drawing individuals from various regions and backgrounds seeking employment opportunities. However, for many female worker, especially those migrating from rural areas, finding suitable accommodation poses a significant challenge. Factors such as affordability, safety, and proximity to the workplace are crucial considerations that influence their housing choices. Unfortunately, the existing housing options often fall short in meeting these needs, leaving female workers vulnerable to exploitation, inadequate living conditions, and long commutes.

Modern Amenities for a Comfortable Stay

The Mongla dormitory goes beyond just offering a roof over one’s head. It boasts modern amenities designed to create a comfortable living space. Residents have access to spacious rooms, a large dining hall that can seat 500 people, and recreational facilities like a TV room, an indoor gaming room, and a prayer room/community space. Additionally, the dormitory features a daycare center, a thoughtful inclusion that caters to working mothers.

The Role of Dormitories

Dormitories tailored for female workers present a promising solution to address these challenges. By offering safe, affordable, and conveniently located housing, dormitories can not only improve the quality of life for female workers but also enhance their productivity and job satisfaction. These dormitories can be designed to prioritize privacy, security, and communal spaces for social interaction, recreation, and essential amenities such as healthcare facilities and childcare services.

Security and Sustainability

The safety and well-being of residents are paramount. The dormitory is equipped with 24/7 security guards and CCTV surveillance for complete peace of mind. Additionally, uninterrupted power supply and purified drinking water ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment.

A Model for the Future

The success of the Mongla dormitory paves the way for similar initiatives in other EPZs across Bangladesh. BEPZA has expressed plans to build dormitories in other zones based on the Mongla project’s performance. This would provide safe and secure housing options for a vast number of female workers, empowering them to participate more actively in the country’s economic growth.

Key Features of Dormitories for Female Workers

1. Safety and Security Measures: Ensuring the safety and security of female workers should be paramount. Dormitories can be equipped with surveillance cameras, secure entry points, and trained security personnel to create a safe living environment.
2. Privacy and Comfort: Individual living spaces within the dormitories should offer privacy and comfort, with basic amenities such as beds, storage facilities, and adequate ventilation.
3. Community Spaces: Common areas such as lounges, kitchens, and recreation rooms encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community among residents.
4. Healthcare Services: Access to healthcare services within or near the dormitory premises is essential for addressing the medical needs of female workers promptly.
5. Transportation Facilities: Dormitories located in close proximity to EPZs should offer convenient transportation options to and from the workplace, reducing commute times and enhancing overall accessibility.
6. Empowerment Programs: Beyond providing housing, dormitories can serve as platforms for empowerment programs, including skill development workshops, financial literacy training, and support networks for female workers.

Benefits for Female Workers and Employers

• Improved Work-Life Balance: By eliminating long commutes and providing comfortable living arrangements, dormitories enable female workers to achieve a better work-life balance.
• Enhanced Productivity: A safe and supportive living environment contributes to the physical and mental well-being of female workers, thereby enhancing their productivity and job satisfaction.
• Attraction and Retention of Talent: Employers who prioritize the welfare of their female workforce by offering quality accommodation are more likely to attract and retain talented individuals, fostering a positive reputation and competitive edge in the market.

It is proved that if the opportunity of workers increases than their working efficiency also increases. Once as governmental way there were all of these opportunities for workers in the mill industries i.e. accommodation, medical service, and school. But when private investors were thinking for more profit, then the general workers were being deprived from all these opportunities, which caused declination of productivity and worker inefficiency.

So, we hope that not only in BEPZA but also in all garments industries as well as other industries owner will think about this hot topic of giving sustain life value to workers. If we want to get more profit from our industrial sector for long time than we should take the responsibility of our workers.

It is known to all that with the little amount of income workers are never capable to maintain a standard accommodation but slum. And generally, these slums are situated in long far from the industry. So, daily workers are wasting so much time to come to working place by being tired. And the children of workers are not getting proper opportunities as a child.

Advantages:

1. Improved Safety: Dormitories can provide a safer living environment for female workers compared to alternative housing options, reducing the risk of harassment and exploitation.
2. Convenience: By offering accommodation close to the workplace, dormitories reduce commuting time and expenses, allowing female workers to allocate more time to rest, recreation, and personal development.
3. Affordability: Dormitories designed specifically for female workers may offer affordable housing options, easing financial burdens and enhancing their financial stability.
4. Community Building: Dormitories foster a sense of community among female workers, providing opportunities for social interaction, support, and networking.
5. Enhanced Productivity: A comfortable and supportive living environment contributes to the physical and mental well-being of female workers, ultimately enhancing their productivity and job satisfaction.
6. Empowerment Programs: Dormitories can serve as platforms for empowerment programs, including skill development workshops, financial literacy training, and support networks, promoting personal and professional growth among female workers.

Disadvantages:

1. Lack of Privacy: In shared living spaces, female workers may experience a lack of privacy, potentially leading to discomfort and stress.
2. Space Constraints: Dormitories may have limited space and amenities, compromising the comfort and quality of living for female workers, especially in densely populated areas.
3. Security Concerns: Despite security measures, dormitories may still be susceptible to security breaches, posing risks to the safety and well-being of female residents.
4. Dependency on Employers: Female workers residing in employer-provided dormitories may feel dependent on their employers for housing, potentially limiting their freedom and autonomy.
5. Cultural Barriers: Dormitory environments may not always accommodate the diverse cultural backgrounds and preferences of female workers, leading to feelings of isolation or discomfort.
6. Maintenance Challenges: Maintaining dormitory facilities and addressing issues such as cleanliness, hygiene, and infrastructure maintenance can pose challenges, affecting the overall quality of living for female workers.

FAQ about dormitory solutions for female workers in EPZs:

Q: What are EPZs, and why are dormitories important for female workers in these zones?

A: EPZs, or Export Processing Zones, are designated industrial areas where companies enjoy certain tax and regulatory incentives. Dormitories are crucial for female workers in EPZs because they provide safe, affordable, and convenient housing options close to their workplace, addressing challenges related to accommodation, safety, and commute.

Q: How do dormitories benefit female workers in EPZs?

A: Dormitories offer several benefits, including improved safety, reduced commuting time and expenses, affordability, community building, enhanced productivity, and access to empowerment programs such as skill development workshops and support networks.

Q: What amenities should dormitories for female workers in EPZs provide?

A: Dormitories should prioritize amenities such as secure living spaces, communal areas for social interaction, basic healthcare services, convenient transportation facilities, and empowerment programs focusing on skill development, financial literacy, and personal growth.

Q: How can employers ensure the safety and security of female workers residing in dormitories?

A: Employers can implement measures such as surveillance cameras, secure entry points, trained security personnel, and strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure the safety and security of female workers in dormitories.

Q: Are dormitories in EPZs exclusively for female workers?

A: While some dormitories may be designated specifically for female workers to address their unique needs and challenges, others may accommodate both male and female workers. However, ensuring separate living spaces or floors for male and female residents is essential to maintain privacy and safety.

Q: How can female workers access dormitory facilities in EPZs?

A: Female workers can typically access dormitory facilities through their employers, who may provide accommodation as part of their employment package or offer assistance in finding suitable housing options within or near the EPZs.

Q: What measures are in place to address cultural diversity and preferences in dormitory environments?

A: Dormitory administrators should consider cultural diversity and preferences when designing living spaces and amenities, incorporating elements that respect and accommodate the cultural backgrounds of female worker to ensure inclusivity and comfort.

Q: What steps can be taken to address challenges such as lack of privacy and maintenance issues in dormitories?

A: To address challenges such as lack of privacy and maintenance issues, stakeholders can implement measures such as providing individual living spaces, regular maintenance checks, effective waste management systems, and feedback mechanisms to address residents’ concerns promptly.

Conclusion

So, Government should take further more steps to ensure a good life value for the workers by making it as a compulsory task of making dormitory for the workers by the industries owner. Investors should take this step as thinking that it is an investment to business which will increase productivity to ensure more profit for long time.