Occupational health and hygienic provisions of dried fish processing workers in Bangladesh: a gendered perspective

Abstract

This exploratory research examines the gendered dimensions of occupational health and hygiene provisions among dried fish processing workers in Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, through the lens of feminist political ecology (FPE) and intersectionality. Using qualitative methods, including ethnographic observations, interviews, and oral history conversations, the research investigates how gendered division of labour and inadequate workplace infrastructure affect the health, dignity, and agency of workers, particularly women. The findings reveal that women predominantly occupy low-paid, labour-intensive roles with minimal access to sanitation, protective equipment, or safe rest areas, while men often hold supervisory or decision-making positions that offer better working conditions. Patriarchal workplace governance and social taboos related to menstruation, pregnancy, and caregiving further marginalize women’s health and well-being. Additionally, the absence of regulatory oversight and collective bargaining mechanisms, as well as threats from climate-induced hazards, intensify their vulnerability. Despite their central contributions to the dried fish economy, women workers are excluded from khola (yard) governance structures and denied access to basic occupational rights. This study highlights the urgent need for gender-responsive labour policies and governance reforms that address the intersecting environmental, social, and institutional inequalities embedded in this informal sector. It calls for inclusive governance that ensures fair wages, occupational safety, access to healthcare, and the active participation of women in workplace decision-making. By foregrounding women’s perspectives and everyday realities, this study adds to the broader efforts to promote fairness, sustainability, and safety in the fisheries sector.