Overview

Understanding the structural drivers of prosperity through the lens of gender, livelihoods, and inclusive markets

This research examines the evolving landscape of women’s economic participation in rural Bangladesh by exploring the interconnected barriers and opportunities that define inclusive growth considering access to productive assets, financial services, market opportunities, social norms, and decision-making power as collective determinants of whether economic gains translate into lasting improvements in wellbeing and resilience.

Rather than isolating individual livelihood interventions, the study adopts a holistic perspective that considers the broader economic and institutional environment influencing women’s ability to participate, compete, and thrive, offering a nuanced understanding of how structural inequalities interact with local market systems and community dynamics.

Particular attention is given to identifying practical pathways that strengthen women’s agency while enhancing the sustainability of rural livelihoods, generating insights that inform more responsive programme design, policy dialogue, and strategies for building stronger local economies where prosperity is both equitable and sustainable as Bangladesh advances toward more inclusive economic development.