Women who migrate to Dhaka, the country's capital, often become regular domestic workers or part-time help. Most do not have mutually agreed-on working hours with their employers, and their overtime is not tracked or accounted for in their pay. They do not have the right to Bangladesh's minimum wage or decent working conditions.

Out of Bangladesh's 10.5 million domestic workers, a staggering 90 per cent are women. They represent 17 per cent of the country's total labour force.

While the labour rights of many other workers in Bangladesh are safeguarded, domestic workers have been systematically excluded from key labour protections that would guarantee the ability of girls and women to work with dignity and be free from violence in the workplace.

As one of Bangladesh's most marginalized and disadvantaged groups, domestic workers are vulnerable. They experience various forms of violence and insecurity throughout their lives.

It is difficult to challenge this violence and discrimination. Domestic workers typically do not have the education or support they need to advocate for reasonable and fair treatment in the workplace. There is also an overwhelming lack of information on negotiating for better working conditions.