The study aims to examine the key factors associated with women’s involvement in economic activities and also
in NGO sectors in Bangladesh. The data come from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
(BDHS) which is a nationally representative dataset. Quantitative analyses have been performed to tease out
important factors associated with both economic as well as NGO activities. It was found that age, marital status,
number of children living in the household, place of residence, geographical location, education, partner’s
education and a wealth index are important factors. Two policy implications have emerged from the study: i)
women’s economic activities are still low in Bangladesh, with a majority involved in the farming, agriculture
and poultry sectors; ii) those who are involved in the labour market generally come from poor backgrounds,
have very little education, live in the North-Western geographical region, and have a large family living in the
same house. The findings also provide interesting scenarios as to why poorer women are more likely to continue
in their employment as well as get involved in Non-Governmental Organizations’ (NGO) activities in
Bangladesh. The study indicates that the potential barriers for Bangladeshi women to engage in labour market
activities and these findings helps to understand and may reinforce the case for reshaping the Government’s
labour policies. It is anticipated that enhancing women’s participation in economic activities and third sectors
has positive impact on overall changes to family, community as well as country levels.