Unilever extends support for rehabilitation and inclusive livelihoods

Unilever Bangladesh Limited, the country's leading fast-moving consumer goods company, has committed financial support to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) and the Disabled Rehabilitation & Research Association (DRRA) to bolster rehabilitation services and advance inclusive livelihoods.

CRP delivers affordable, holistic rehabilitation services, particularly to those from low-income backgrounds. Since 1996, DRRA has promoted the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Through CRP, Unilever Bangladesh is supporting the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), a premier institution for training rehabilitation professionals. The initiative will fund academic and residential fees for financially vulnerable students, strengthening the country's pipeline of certified therapists.

Amid a shortage of specialised professionals, this support aims to expand access to critical rehabilitation services for marginalised communities, while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 10—good health and well-being, quality education, and reduced inequalities.

Concurrently, Unilever Bangladesh is backing a six-month economic empowerment programme by DRRA in Dhaka's Vatara slum, where many climate-displaced families face poverty and restricted livelihood opportunities.

The programme facilitates income generation via a mobile food court operated by a young person with a disability and a caregiver, and offers training in hygiene, food safety and financial management. It also supports mothers with disabilities in running an online shop, 'Bangla Ma', promoting digital inclusion and sustainable home-based earnings.

Through these partnerships, Unilever Bangladesh stated it continues to invest in institutional capacity and community resilience, ensuring vulnerable populations are not left behind.