DETERMINING THE FACTORS LIMITING MARRIED WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN LOW-PAID EMPLOYMENT: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN CHATTOGRAM DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Abstract

This study examines the socio-demographic factors that influence married women's participation in low-paid employment in Chattogram district, Bangladesh. Primary data was collected from 160 evermarried women who earn a monthly salary of Tk. 15,000 or less, using a structured questionnaire. The study uses both bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses to identify the factors that influence women’s employment decisions. The results indicate that women's education, their husband's education, and age at first marriage have a positive impact, while household monthly income, household assets, and women's age have a negative impact on married women's participation in low-paid employment. Additionally, the multivariate analysis shows that women’s education, age, age at first marriage, age at first becoming a mother, place of residence, household monthly income, household assets, and family structure are highly significantly associated with a woman's participation decision. The study concludes that socioeconomic and demographic factors play a critical role in married women's participation in low-paid employment in Chattogram. The study recommends reducing complications faced by married women in their family and professional lives