A recent survey has revealed that childcare is a significant barrier to workforce participation, with 54 per cent of parents identifying it as a major factor influencing their ability to work.

The findings highlighted the challenges faced by women, particularly in Bangladesh, where inadequate childcare facilities severely impact their participation in the labor market.

The survey found that due to insufficient childcare options, 34 per cent of respondents experienced a decline in job performance, 18 per cent had to quit their jobs, and 13 per cent declined job offers.

Research and Policy Integration for Development executive director Abu Eusuf presented the findings of the study during the launch of the ‘Roadmap for Childcare in Bangladesh’ on Sunday at Sonargaon Hotel in the city.

The roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs with technical support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), aims to establish an accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare system supported by a strong governance and regulatory framework.

RAPID contributed research support in the development of this roadmap.

It also serves as a building block for a dynamic childcare services delivery system, development of a skilled childcare workforce, increased public investment, and management of services to meet children’s and their families’ diverse needs.

This roadmap is prepared based on the study recommendations.

The survey found that a lack of sufficient childcare options leads to negative consequences for working parents.

Of those surveyed, 34 per cent reported a decline in job performance due to childcare challenges, while 18 per cent were forced to quit their jobs, and 13 per cent turned down job offers altogether.

The issue is particularly pressing for women with young children.

The survey revealed that 19 per cent of urban women with children under six years old are not in the workforce, underscoring the difficulty of balancing work and childcare responsibilities for mothers.

Furthermore, the survey also highlighted deep-rooted cultural expectations regarding caregiving roles.

Around 72 per cent of parents expressed the belief that mothers should be the primary caregivers, reflecting traditional gender norms that continue to influence attitudes towards childcare in Bangladesh.

Speaking at the event Eusuf said 97 per cent surveyed workers are women, especially in the caregiver and teacher roles.

Sharing the insights from childcare related work, he also said on average nine to eleven hours a day often without breaks while caregivers are often face verbal abuse despite 86 per cent opined that their occupations are respected.

Surveyed parents also expressed significant concerns about the safety and quality of childcare services, according to the study.

These findings suggested that without systemic changes to childcare availability and societal attitudes, many women will remain sidelined from the workforce.

ILO country director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutianen said globally, and particularly in Asia and the Pacific, the responsibility of childcare remains a significant barrier for women entering and staying in the workforce.

Even when childcare services are available, challenges persist in terms of access, affordability, proximity to workplaces, and quality. These challenges were clearly outlined in the recent survey analysis by RAPID, he said.

In Bangladesh, as elsewhere, the responsibility for childcare disproportionately falls on women, further hindering their ability to join the workforce. This issue is critical because without the full participation of women, Bangladesh cannot achieve its SDG goals or drive economic growth, ILO country director said.

MOWCA senior secretary Mamtaz Ahmed was present as chief guest at the launching event that was also attended by Director General of Department of Women Affairs Keya Khan, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation secretary general Farooq Ahmed, among others.