Beyond Human Resilience: Rethinking Gendered Labor and Sustainable Development in Post-COVID Bangladesh

This paper explores the intersection of gender disparities and sustainable development, focusing on the empowerment of working women in Bangladesh's post-COVID-19 economic recovery. The disruptions caused by the pandemic have undermined progress in women's empowerment, exacerbating inequalities in accessing resources, services, and economic opportunities. A significant increase in undervalued and underpaid domestic work has restricted women's professional contributions, heightened mental stress, and worsened health conditions. This study investigates the working conditions and work-life balance of women in Chapainawabgonj and Rajshahi City Corporation, emphasizing demographic variables such as age, marital status, education, and job security. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, data were collected from 58 respondents through purposive snowball sampling and nethnography, using in-depth interviews as the primary instrument. The findings reveal how structural inequities and societal expectations have disproportionately impacted women during the pandemic. The study emphasizes the urgent need for gender-sensitive policies, workplace reforms, and tailored incentives to support women’s empowerment. These strategies are critical for bridging gender disparities and advancing sustainable development goals in Bangladesh.