The volume contains a set of papers which summarise the findings of a research study undertaken by the Centre for Policy Dialogue in collaboration with the United Nations Research Institute on Social Development. It complements the work in other countries such as Viet Nam, Uganda, Morocco and Jamaica. The main issues addressed are the implications of globalisation and changes in the macro-economic context in Bangladesh. Its impact on women's employment, particularly the unprecedented growth of female employment in the readymade garments sector of the economy and the rapidly growing export processing zones of the country. Other parallel changes in the economy which are also explored include the gender impact of targeted micro-credit and other programmes of NGOs, which influenced women's participation in the economy, particularly in rural areas. The study thus makes a significant contribution in understanding the female labour market in Bangladesh. Its various dimensions are looked into, such as household decision making processes and the role of the community; the socialisation processes of female labour into the urban setting and at the workplace, including efforts at labour organisation; the continued changes in global configurations and adjustments made at the plant level with implications for women workers. Eminent researchers Rita Afsar, Debapriya Bhattacharya, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazli Kibria, Shamsul Islam Khan and Simeen Mahmud have contributed to the volume. The review paper was written by Nasreen Khundker and the preface is by Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, Centre for Policy Dialogue. The analyses and the recommendations put forward in this volume are expected to be valuable for both researchers and policymakers in Bangladesh and abroad, and will be useful for designing gender-sensitive policies in the context of rapid globalisation. Contributors Rita Afsar Debapriya Bhattacharya Shamsul I Khan Nazli Kibria Nasreen Khundker Simeen Mahmud Mustafizur Rahman