Bangladesh has achieved a GDP growth rate of 7.05 % and a per capita income of $1335 in FY 2015-16. It was upgraded to the status of a lower middle income country in 2015. Significant improvement has been made in social indicators such as education, health and sanitation. Maternity and infant mortality have been reduced to 1.7 and 33 per thousand, respectively. Women's Participations in the labor force has increased from 24 percent in 2010 to 36 percent in 2013 and a significant representation of women at all level of both private and public sector is now in place. Women are gradually becoming an important partner in the socio-economic development due to the diverse initiatives undertaken by the present government. Gender equality has already been achieved in Primary and Secondary level and girls up to graduation level are provided with monthly stipend to mitigate some of the expenses related to their educational need. According to the 'Global Gender GAP Report' Bangladesh ranked 68th while in terms of political empowerment of women ranked 10th position in 2014 among 142 countries.
