Self-Reliance Support for the Vulnerable Women in Mirpur Through Technical Training Project (SSWIM)

 

Location: Mirpur-1, Dhaka

Donors: KOICA and ADRA Korea

Direct Beneficiaries: 480

Indirect Beneficiaries: 1800

Total Beneficiaries: 2280

Project Duration: 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2026

Total Budget: 88,102,806

NGO Bureau Approval Date: 11/02/2024

NGO Bureau  Approval Reference No.: 03.07.000.657.68.274.23

 

Project Goal:

 

Increase the income of vulnerable women (self-reliance).​

 

 

Key Activities:

 

• Establishment of educational facilities and infrastructure

• Curriculum Development and Teacher Training

• Recruitment of students and imparting vocational education

• Implementation of Vocational Education in three areas (Industrial Sewing Machine Operation, Beauty Training, and Mobile Phone Repairing)

• Practical training and certification

• Implementation of internship for those who complete theoretical and practical training

• Organizing job fairs and assisting in employment linkages

• Organize workshops to increase awareness

 

 

Project Description:

 

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia with a population of over 166 million. Bangladesh has made notable socio-economic advancements in recent times. However, there are still some significant barriers to overcome, particularly among the country's most vulnerable populations. This includes women living in urban poverty in densely populated slum areas.

 

The project’s objective is to provide vocational training and employment opportunities to underprivileged women in the Mirpur area of Dhaka. This is in line with the Bangladesh National Development Strategy, which outlines the promotion of public education, vocational training, and inclusion as part of the 8th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2041. The target area is Mirpur's Ward 9, which is one of the most densely populated urban slums in Dhaka. The average daily income is just $1.69 per person, with a significant proportion of the population below the poverty line.

 

A significant proportion of the female population is currently unemployed, with many women having left the education system due to a range of socio-economic factors, including early marriage, childbearing, and social norms that prioritize family responsibilities over personal development. However, a preliminary survey indicated a high level of interest among local women in participating in vocational training, particularly in industrial sewing machine training, beauty training, and mobile phone repair training in sectors with high demand.

 

The pilot project in ADRA Bangladesh achieved an impressive 94% employment rate for beauty trainees, with 74% retaining employment for over six months and earning additional income. The success of the project is based on the extensive experience and expertise of ADRA Bangladesh and ADRA Korea, both of whom have been actively engaged in educational and vocational programs in the slum areas of Mirpur since 2012. This long-standing presence has fostered deep collaboration with local partners that help understand public needs and constraints.