In Bangladesh, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy, employing over 35% of the workforce as of 2023 . However, agricultural laborers often face low wages, with significant disparities based on gender.

Average Earnings of Agricultural Laborers

As of late 2024, male agricultural workers in Bangladesh typically earn between Tk 450 to Tk 600 per day, depending on the region and type of work . In contrast, female agricultural workers earn approximately Tk 300 to Tk 500 per day for similar tasks . This indicates a persistent gender wage gap in the agricultural sector.

Trends in Women’s Participation in Agriculture

Women’s participation in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector has been on the rise. Currently, women comprise about 58% of the agricultural workforce . This increase is attributed to various factors, including rural transformation and initiatives aimed at empowering women in agriculture .

Gender-Based Wage Inequality

Despite their growing presence, women in agriculture continue to face wage disparities. On average, women earn about 35.8% less per hour than men, with the gap widening to 57.2% in the agricultural sector . This disparity is influenced by factors such as occupational segregation, limited access to resources, and societal norms that undervalue women’s labor.

While women’s participation in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector is increasing, significant wage disparities persist. Addressing these inequalities requires concerted efforts, including policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and initiatives to ensure equal pay for equal work.