Addressing work‐life balance challenges of working women during COVID‐19 in Bangladesh

Abstract

Working women face various challenges regarding work‐family balance due to societal, cultural, family, and gender norms. These challenges have become more difficult since the emergence of COVID‐19 worldwide. This qualitative research addresses work‐family issues of working women in the distinct Bangladeshi socio‐cultural context. Guided by a thematic analysis, this study explores various driving forces and challenges faced by working women, and strategies adopted by women to manage work‐family obligations. The findings reveal flexibility and homeworking, family and spousal support, and organisational support as key driving forces for women's work‐life balance during the COVID‐19. Lack of available time, socio‐cultural and family norms, and gender stereotypes are key challenges women face in a Muslim patriarchal societal context. Effective time management, stress management, keeping husbands and family members happy, sustainable management of professional and personal lives, and listing out priorities are useful techniques women adopt to integrate work‐family commitments. The findings provide potential solutions for women to effectively manage work‐family responsibilities in a patriarchal societal context.

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