英国国家经济和社会研究所-孟加拉国和巴基斯坦妇女工作良好-进入和发展的障碍（英）-2025.8_43页_2mb

Bangladesh and Pakistani Women in Good Work

Overall Findings

Despite rising educational attainment, Bangladeshi and Pakistani women face significant underrepresentation in London's workforce due to systemic barriers. Key issues include:

• Racism and Discrimination: Experiences of bias in recruitment (e.g., names, hijabs), workplace harassment, and unequal pay/growth opportunities.
• Structural Barriers: Visa restrictions, language challenges, lack of professional networks, unpaid internships, and limited access to tailored employment support.
• Work-Life Balance: Limited flexible working options and affordable childcare hinder career progression, exacerbated by cultural expectations and caregiving responsibilities.
• Workplace Culture: Valued accommodations include prayer spaces, halal food, and inclusive social events, but exclusionary practices (e.g., alcohol-centric networking) remain prevalent.

Methodology

• Participatory research with seven community researchers, ensuring lived experiences shaped the study.
• Mixed methods: literature review, interviews with 32 women and 4 employers, and a policy workshop.
• Strength: Co-designed to address culturally relevant policy gaps, but faced challenges like small sample size and recruitment biases.

Key Recommendations

For Employers

1. Recruitment: Use blind hiring, diverse panels, and recognize international qualifications.
2. Flexibility: Offer flexible working and reasonable adjustments for religious needs.
3. Culture: Implement inclusive policies, EDI training, and mentorship programs.
4. Monitoring: Track pay gaps, complaint resolution, and progression rates.

For Local Authorities & GLA

1. Support Services: Expand culturally sensitive childcare and tailor employment advice.
2. Community Outreach: Partner with local organizations for targeted programs.
3. Policy Brokering: Facilitate employer-community collaborations and promote inclusive practices.

For National Government

1. Jobcentre Training: Enhance intercultural competency for advisors.
2. Childcare Access: Increase affordable, culturally appropriate childcare.
3. Immigration Reform: Simplify visa sponsorship and translate international qualifications.

Conclusion

The study underscores that cultural stereotypes mask deeper structural issues. Urgent policy changes, employer accountability, and community partnerships are needed to dismantle barriers and foster equitable labor market participation.