Globalization and Women at Work: The Ups and Downs

Over the last few decades, globalisation has opened doors for women worldwide to step into the workforce in massive numbers. Picture this: from textile factories to electronics and agriculture, women—especially in developing countries—are making their mark. In fact, according to the World Bank, the global female labour force participation rate jumped from 48% in 1990 to 55% in 2023. That’s no small feat! Women are everywhere now—whether it’s in self-help groups, small-scale businesses, or working with big multinational corporations. But here’s the thing: while the opportunities are growing, the paychecks haven’t caught up. Even with a huge presence, women still often earn less than men for doing the exact same work. Take Bangladesh, for example. Women make up around 80% of the workforce in the garment industry, yet they’re paid 30-40% less than their male counterparts. This pay gap isn’t just in Bangladesh either—it’s a global issue. And it’s not just about pay; it’s also about the conditions. As globalization brings more jobs, it’s also highlighted the tough realities many women face in the workplace. In industries where women are a huge part of the workforce, the work environment often comes with long hours, few safety measures, and very little job security. This is especially true in informal and unorganized sectors, where the ILO notes women are 20% more likely than men to be stuck in these lower-paying, more vulnerable roles. So while globalisation is certainly giving women more jobs, it’s also exposing the serious issues that need fixing—things like fair pay, safe working conditions, and stronger protections for those in informal jobs. Women are out there proving their strength and resilience daily; now, it’s time for the global economy to step up and support them the way they deserve.