The ready-made garment (RMG) industry is a critical pillar of the Bangladeshi economy, providing millions with employment and contributing significantly to export revenue. Women comprise a substantial portion of the RMG workforce, with approximately 2.6 million employed in the sector. Their contribution is vital to the nation's economic growth and prosperity.

Yet, despite their significant role, many workers in the RMG sector, particularly women, face a pervasive digital divide that limits their access to essential digital financial services and hinders their economic independence. This exclusion stems from a combination of factors, including low digital literacy, limited access to technology, and social norms that often restrict women’s access to financial information and resources.

Recognizing these challenges, UNCDF, as a part of its broader effort of Leaving No One Behind in the Digital Era, aligned and partnered with the H&M Foundation to contribute to the ‘Oporajita – Collective Impact on Future of Work in Bangladesh’ project. Under this initiative, UNCDF focused on empowering women garment workers by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the dynamic world of digital finance along with the digital finance products required to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. This will help ensure women workers’ continued contribution to the RMG sector.

This project, implemented in major RMG clusters across the Dhaka division, has been instrumental in addressing multiple challenges. In partnership with key stakeholders, the project has successfully identified gaps in the digital finance ecosystem and developed sustainable business models to expand the use of digital financial products and social protection services by RMG workers.

A key project component has been collaborating with four commercial partners to develop and deliver mobile digital solutions that increase financial inclusion and empowerment for women working in the RMG sector. These initiatives have focused on providing digital and financial literacy training, digital tools, and financial services tailored to the needs of women workers. The project has also worked to improve access to existing welfare and social security schemes among women garment workers and their families. This has included efforts to enhance the policy environment and promote public-private dialogue to enable effective delivery systems for social protection payments.

This report disseminates the project’s intervention strategies and lessons learned and highlights the crucial role digital skills play in enhancing the financial capabilities and overall well-being of women RMG workers. It shows how, by fostering digital inclusion and financial literacy, women working in the

RMG sector can be empowered to achieve greater economic independence and participate more fully in the digital economy. The insights and recommendations presented provide a valuable roadmap for stakeholders across the RMG industry, including policymakers, employers, and development partners. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for women RMG workers, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital age.

- Maria Perdomo, Regional Investment Team Lead - Asia and Pacific Region of UNCDF