M. N. NAHER1, M. M. RAHMAN2 and S. KUMAR3*
1=Mst. Nazmun Naher, Vice Principal, Shailkupa City Degree College, Shailkupa, Jhenaidah, 2=Md. Mizanur Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Geography, Alhaj Amjad Hossain Degree College, Pangsa, Rajbari and 3=Sukanto Kumar, M. Phil Fellow, Department of Business Administration, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Pabna, Bangladesh. *Corresponding author’s email: shrutydebnath@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted during March to June 2020 to examine the work environment and socio- economic profiles of women in rice mills activities. Harinakundu upazila and Jhenaidah sadar upazila under Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh were selected for the study on consideration of the availability of large number of rice mill women workers. Thirty samples of each category were selected by random sampling procedure and primary data collected by direct interview through a pre-tested survey schedule. Lots of problems were identified on their socio-economic, physical, health and gender related work environments. The work environment was not found conducive and favorable for workers’ health. There was lack of knowledge and awareness regarding environmental pollution and safety of the rice mills workers. Major problems were related to the nature of their work and the variation in the salary level between male and female workers. The socio-economic status of the women workers should be improved by reducing the discrimination of wages between male and female workers, and ensuring their security in work places removing harassment caused by male ones. Practical measures are suggested for improvement of work environment by minimizing the work environmental pollution, increasing the working efficiency and reducing health hazards of the women workers.
Keywords: Rice mill, Work Environment, Women workers, Socio-economic and Problems.