SHE is the glue that holds the house together, knowing every corner, every condiment, every detail of her child鈥檚 school or her husband鈥檚 work. Yet when it comes to finances, does she know? This is the unasked question in many Bangladeshi households. Women can manage the entire household with precision, yet they are often excluded from managing their own money.
This gap does not mean that women do not earn. Holistically, women make up about 36.7 per cent of the total labour force, indicating a strong contribution to the country鈥檚 economic growth. Around three million women are employed in the garment industry, representing 53 per cent of its workforce. Despite these figures, many feel incapable of managing their finances and hand over control to the 鈥榤an of the house.鈥�
A World Bank report, Closing the Gender Gap: Opportunities for Women鈥檚 Mobile Financial Services Market in Bangladesh, surveyed 4,030 women and found that only 16 per cent felt confident making financial decisions, while just 4 per cent had received formal financial literacy training. Alarmingly, 83 per cent relied on household members for financial information rather than structured education. These statistics reveal a critical gap: although women鈥檚 participation in the labour force has increased over the decades, many still cannot make informed financial decisions for themselves or their families.
Why does this gap exist? In Bangladesh, it is not merely a question of numbers; it reflects deeply ingrained historical, cultural and societal norms. For decades, women have been associated with household work, but rarely with decision-making. Rural areas are particularly disheartening, where men are viewed as breadwinners and decision-makers, and women are expected to remain silent. Even if women earn, whether as garment workers in Dhaka or as domestic helpers, they are often expected to hand over their income to male relatives. The World Bank鈥檚 research confirms that many women depend heavily on male relatives for financial information, which diminishes their confidence in managing money independently.
Patriarchal pressure plays a pivotal role in this dynamic. From early childhood, many Bangladeshi girls are taught not to raise their voices, not to ask too many questions and certainly not to take risks with money. These social norms limit their pursuit of financial education and restrict their control over economic resources.
The lack of dedicated financial literacy programmes for women further exacerbates the problem. Limited efforts from families, society and educational institutions mean that young women often miss out on learning the importance of personal finance. While initiatives exist, such as programmes by TARA, the Joyeeta Foundation, and various government-backed projects, their reach remains limited. Nevertheless, these programmes demonstrate that meaningful change is possible.
How can this gap be addressed? Empowering women through financial literacy requires sustained, widespread programmes that teach not only basic money management but also build confidence in young girls. Bangladesh Bank鈥檚 Women Entrepreneurs Development Unit and the Women鈥檚 Financial Inclusion Data dashboard are beginning to track women鈥檚 participation in financial services, helping to identify opportunities for improvement. These initiatives increase access to credit for female entrepreneurs and provide data to design services tailored to women鈥檚 needs.
International and community-based efforts also play a crucial role. The United Nations Capital Development Fund has collaborated with local groups to create e-learning courses focused on financial and digital literacy for women small business owners. BRAC鈥檚 Shakti programme offers community-based training and peer support, allowing women to exchange experiences and build confidence in financial decision-making. According to the World Bank, women who participate in such programmes are more likely to manage finances independently and contribute significantly to their families.
Experts agree, however, that much work remains. Financial literacy must become an ongoing focus, reaching women in both urban and rural communities. Digital tools, community support and culturally sensitive education can help ensure women gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances. Financial empowerment goes beyond teaching skills, it grants autonomy, enabling women to make informed choices and shape their own futures.
By equipping women with financial confidence, Bangladesh can move closer to a society where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. Women鈥檚 ability to manage their finances strengthens families, drives economic growth and fosters social equity. Financial literacy is not merely a technical skill; it is a tool of empowerment, autonomy and transformation. Ensuring that women are equipped to make informed financial decisions is crucial for building a more equal, prosperous and inclusive society.
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Shailee Nahreen Khan is a student of Finance at North South University.
