Grameenphone and Plan International partner for digital inclusion

Grameenphone, in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh and Telenor, has showcased the transformative power of digital inclusion through a learning & sharing session held at capital's GPHouse today, spotlighting how the "Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth (SDSGY) " project is shaping a safer, more empowering digital future. The Digital Inclusion initiative has played a transformative role in empowering 2.9 million individuals across eight marginalised communities, strongly emphasising uplifting women. This groundbreaking project focuses on imparting essential digital skills and fostering online safety awareness, ensuring participants can navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely.

Tanveer Mohammad, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Grameenphone, delivered the welcome speech. Anjum Rasna Hasan, Project lead, Grameenphone and Khurshid Ara, Project lead of Plan International Bangladesh, presented a keynote paper highlighting the progress and impact of this project. Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, and Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, moderated two different sessions. Md. Aminul Haque, Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, and Kazi Moklesur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, graced the event as special guests. Additionally, project beneficiaries, partners and other distinguished guests were present.

Talking at the event, Brishti Goala from Lakkatura Tea Garden in Sylhet shared how she learned to shop online and access government services through this project. She expressed her excitement about acquiring these new skills.

Niyasha Chowdhury Mim, 23, from Narayanganj, shared that as a transgender woman, she faces immense challenges, including societal bullying. She expressed gratitude to the SDSGY project for providing her with an opportunity that has significantly improved her life. She hopes that similar initiatives will be introduced to support others like her who are marginalised in society.

Atikur Rahman, who is hearing and speech impaired and hails from Rajshahi, said that this training session taught him how to use the internet safely and effectively. This knowledge has greatly benefited him, helping him to manage his life more smoothly.

Khushi from Lalmonirhat, a survivor of child marriage, shared that she received training in e-commerce through the project. She later started an online clothing business, which is now thriving.

Sheema Akhter Smriti from Gaibandha shared that she had to discontinue her college education due to a life-threatening illness, cancer, and found herself spending idle hours on social media. Through Radio Sarabela, she learned about the issues of online bullying and harassment. She thanked Grameenphone and Plan International Bangladesh for initiating such a meaningful project.

Yasir Azman, Grameenphone's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, "Grameenphone is committed to creating a digitally inclusive Bangladesh. This initiative bridges gaps in digital literacy, fosters online safety, and unlocks new opportunities for marginalised groups, especially for women and youth."

Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, said, "Digital skills are essential for empowering young people, particularly girls, to thrive in today's world. This project is not just about access; it's about equipping individuals with resources and knowledge to leverage the digital space safely and effectively."

Grameenphone is working to ensure digital access for marginalised communities to bridge the digital divide. The company is committed to continuing this endeavour.