Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of childcare availability on women’s labor market outcomes in low-income areas of Dhaka, using data from the Dhaka Low-Income Area Gender, Inclusion, and Poverty Survey 2018. A multinomial logistic regression model is used to study how socio-economic and demographic factors affect labor market outcomes. Findings show that higher education and childcare access increase the likelihood of full-time employment, while cultural conservativeness and lack of childcare access heighten the probability of being out of the labor force. Residing in slum areas negatively affects full-time employment prospects. Part-time employment is identified as a viable option for young mothers. The study highlights the importance of accessible childcare and education in enhancing women’s workforce participation in Dhaka’s low-income areas.