Bangladesh women see fewer government jobs after quota reforms

Following a successful 2024 student-led movement that demanded government jobs be awarded on merit rather than quotas, Bangladesh largely scrapped its quota system. According to a report from Dawn, this reform has had the unintended consequence of reducing the share of public sector jobs going to women in the nation of 170 million people.

Data cited by the publication shows the proportion of female government recruits has fallen since the quotas were cut. This has shrunk the number of civil service roles held by women, which was already limited.

A 25-year-old graduate who supported ending the quotas told Dawn she now believes quotas for women should have been retained. She stated that for many women, a government job is a tool for empowerment and a shield against domestic violence.