This report details findings from a multi-year program aimed at promoting regional growth and women’s economic empowerment through trade facilitation and connectivity in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN)
Analyzing survey data from 443 gig workers, this study reveals stark gender divides within the online gig economy in platform use and job categories. Women often choose more flexible digital jobs to
Despite Bangladesh’s 30% quota for women in water management organizations (WMOs), efforts to empower them have yielded mixed results. This study examines women's participation in WMOs, revealing greater empowerment in water-secure areas
Using data from Bangladesh's Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (2010–2016), this study investigates the link between financial inclusion and energy poverty. The findings show that households with financial access experience significantly lower
This study explores the mobility issues women in Dhaka, Bangladesh, across all income levels. Women across all income groups reported feeling unsafe while walking public transport at night, harassment in
This case study analyzes how women’s financial inclusion policies were leveraged before and after the pandemic in Bangladesh. Key measures included expanding unconditional cash transfers through digital payments, supporting women
This research explores the negative impact of political unrest in Bangladesh on women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Offering insights into the gender constraints faced, it discusses how political instability
This IFC study, one of the first in the region, covers 20 private commercial banks across Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and spotlights opportunities for achieving more equitable work outcomes
While skills development programs can improve labor market outcomes for women in highly gendered societies in the short-term, they tend to dilute over time by strongly-held restrictive norms and practices.
This paper provides surprising evidence on gender gaps in urban housing ownership. About 1,300 households in a low-income area of Dhaka were randomly selected, with male and female respondents (who
Documents
Connecting Economies, Empowering Women (2024)
This report details findings from a multi-year program aimed at promoting regional growth and women’s economic empowerment through trade facilitation and connectivity in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN)
Gender Differences in Job Satisfaction Among Gig Workers in Bangladesh (2024)
Analyzing survey data from 443 gig workers, this study reveals stark gender divides within the online gig economy in platform use and job categories. Women often choose more flexible digital jobs to
From Participation to Empowerment: The Case of Women in Community-Based Water Management in Hydrologically Diverse Southwest Coastal Bangladesh (2025)
Despite Bangladesh’s 30% quota for women in water management organizations (WMOs), efforts to empower them have yielded mixed results. This study examines women's participation in WMOs, revealing greater empowerment in water-secure areas
Energy Poverty Alleviation Through Financial Inclusion: Role of Gender in Bangladesh (2023)
Using data from Bangladesh's Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (2010–2016), this study investigates the link between financial inclusion and energy poverty. The findings show that households with financial access experience significantly lower
Exploring Transport Mobility Issues and Adaptive Behavior of Women in a Developing Country (2024)
This study explores the mobility issues women in Dhaka, Bangladesh, across all income levels. Women across all income groups reported feeling unsafe while walking public transport at night, harassment in
Women’s Financial Inclusion, Digital Financial Services, and Covid-19 Policy Response: Case of Bangladesh (2023)
This case study analyzes how women’s financial inclusion policies were leveraged before and after the pandemic in Bangladesh. Key measures included expanding unconditional cash transfers through digital payments, supporting women
Problems of Political Unrest: Women in Small Businesses in Bangladesh (2022)
This research explores the negative impact of political unrest in Bangladesh on women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Offering insights into the gender constraints faced, it discusses how political instability
Women’s Advancement in Banking in Emerging South Asian Countries (2024)
This IFC study, one of the first in the region, covers 20 private commercial banks across Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and spotlights opportunities for achieving more equitable work outcomes
Building an Equitable Future? BRAC’s STAR Program and Young Women’s Economic Empowerment in Bangladesh (2023)
While skills development programs can improve labor market outcomes for women in highly gendered societies in the short-term, they tend to dilute over time by strongly-held restrictive norms and practices.
Housing Ownership Gender Differences in Dhaka, Bangladesh (2021)
This paper provides surprising evidence on gender gaps in urban housing ownership. About 1,300 households in a low-income area of Dhaka were randomly selected, with male and female respondents (who