There are widespread reports of child labour. These women migrate predominantly from rural areas, seeking cash employment, independence and better opportunities in the garment sector. Travelling to and from their workplace can be dangerous. Harassment, assaults and rape are often reported in neighbourhoods where women s dormitories are located. Housing A lack of adequate accommodation is a related issue.
Housing is scarce and insecure near garment factories in Bangladesh.
Rural women resort to living in crowded dormitory style accommodation with 10-15 people to a room. Health A study conducted by the Dhaka-based NUK found that poor health markedly increased for garment workers in Bangladesh and concluded this had direct links to poor working and living conditions. Export production is concentrated in export processing zones, where foreign and local investors are able to sell a percentage of their production in local markets at reduced rates, and where local labour laws are exempted. Bangladesh is the tenth largest apparel exporter to Canada. Between 1994 and 1998, its apparel exports to Canada doubled.