BRAC-US Embassy efforts empower 1,200 disadvantaged women in coastal areas

BRAC's Skill Development Programme (SDP) has empowered 1,200 young women who were disadvantaged and school dropouts in coastal areas vulnerable to climate change by providing them with hands-on skills training. 

The initiative started in January 2023 and continued till last month under the "Alternative Learning Pathway for School Dropout Girls in Climate Vulnerable Regions of Bangladesh" project, implemented in collaboration with the US Embassy.

The women were trained as apprentices under local businessmen through  BRAC's Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) model, which later created employment opportunities for them.

Marking the completion of the training programme, an event titled "Bridge to Success: Alternative Learning Pathways Project Learning and Knowledge Dissemination" was organised at BRAC Center in the capital's Mohakhali yesterday.

Addressing the event, Sharlina Hussain-Morgan, director of public engagement at the US Embassy, said, "While this training programme may have concluded for now, it is not the end, it is the beginning. Our aim is to witness a substantial influx of female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, who will make significant contributions in the nation's economy."

Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, associate director of BRAC SDP, underscored the accomplishments of the SDP and STAR model initiatives during the programme, noting that over 71% of the young women who underwent training have secured employment. Of this, 11% were persons with disabilities.

During the event, Safi Rahman Khan, director of education SDP and Migration, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and underscored the program's commitment to fostering inclusivity within the marketplace, particularly by empowering women and individuals with disabilities.

Some of the young women who received training through this project also shared their experiences and achievements. 

Later, guests at the programme inaugurated a day-long "Eid Fair" arranged at the BRAC Center Plaza, where various products made by the trained youths from BRAC were displayed.

Since its inception in 2012, the STAR programme has provided training to over 120,000 youths. Among them, approximately 64% are female, and 10% are persons with disabilities. Alongside BRAC, partners in this initiative include the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE), UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).