Women's participation in Bangladesh's manufacturing sector has increased significantly, contributing to industrial growth and women's socio-economic empowerment. However, many women workers continue to face limited access to maternity protection and safe working conditions, particularly in small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises. This study examines the implementation of maternity benefits and workplace safety provisions for women workers in selected hosiery factories in Pabna District. The research is guided by the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (as amended), the Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015, and relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, using a mixed-methods research design. Primary data were collected from 150 women workers through structured questionnaires using stratified random sampling. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with factory managers, officials from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and trade union representatives. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26 through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal a considerable gap between statutory labour protections and their practical implementation. Although maternity leave, employment protection, breastfeeding breaks, and workplace safety are guaranteed by law, many women— particularly contractual and probationary workers—remain excluded. Employment status, workers' awareness, management commitment, workplace facilities, and regulatory enforcement significantly influence the implementation of maternity protection and workplace safety. Weak labour law awareness, inadequate monitoring, insufficient workplace facilities, and socio-cultural barriers further hinder compliance. The study recommends strengthening labour law enforcement, improving workplace infrastructure, expanding labour rights awareness programmes, and enhancing institutional accountability to promote gender-sensitive workplaces and decent work. The findings provide valuable policy implications for government agencies, employers, labour organizations, and researchers working to improve women's employment conditions in Bangladesh.

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