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December 2023 Updates from ILO Bangladesh

01 January 2024

1 January 2023

Investing to empower: Shalimar's journey from victim to champion

Shalimar overcame poverty, gender discrimination, and violence to become a line supervisor at EchoTex Ltd. through the GEAR initiative. Her journey from a factory helper to a leadership role and activist against gender-based violence exemplifies empowerment and the positive impact of investing in women's development.

10 December 2023: In the industrial Gazipur district of Bangladesh, amidst the ceaseless hum of garment factories, lives Shalimar whose life’s tapestry is woven with threads of resilience. She was born into a poor family in the Gaibandha district and her mother's death, and family financial constraints determined her life's path.

"I had to grow up quickly, with my mother gone and poverty at the doorstep. Education was my escape, my dream," she reminisces.

Love provided a sanctuary for Shalimar amid struggles. Against the tide of familial disapproval, she married the man of her choice, which led them to the complexities of life in Dhaka. The city's embrace was cold; jobs were scarce, and the couple struggled. Shalimar's determination saw her secure a job as a factory helper with a salary of BDT 5700 that barely kept them afloat.

The shadows of gender discrimination and violence marred her journey at her first job. "They doubted my abilities because I am a woman, tried to hinder my growth, and even my pay was compromised due to gender bias," Shalimar reveals. "My colleagues in the factory sometimes touched me, which made me feel terrible. Some of them even asked me out".

A turning point came when Shalimar joined EchoTex Ltd., a factory with zero tolerance for gender-based violence. This year, Shalimar and nine other women with potential for leadership took part in the transformative Gender Equality and Returns (GEAR) initiative by the International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation’s Better Work Programme. They were equipped with soft skills such as confidence, emotional intelligence, and effective communication, and technical skills encompassing production processes.

The GEAR initiative empowers women through skill development, fosters career advancement, and embeds gender equality in the RMG supply chain.

"GEAR didn't just teach me skills; it taught me my value," Shalimar asserts.

Shalimar now manages over 40 people in the factory as a line supervisor, guiding production and quality. Her salary has more than doubled.

She has turned her ordeal into activism, championing the cause against gender-based violence. "Now, I stand not as a victim but as a symbol of defiance against violence," she declares.

Her story is a beacon of hope during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, reflecting this year's theme: Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls. "When you invest in women, you invest in a future where violence is not an accepted norm," Shalimar states.

EchoTex Ltd.'s HR Director, Shafayet Karim Chowdhury, agrees highlighting that the company prioritizes a workplace free from gender-based violence and credits the GEAR initiative for significantly contributing to this.

The GEAR initiative has significantly empowered women in Bangladesh's RMG sector. Since 2016, it has trained 799 female workers, 528 of whom have been promoted to supervisory roles. An Oxford University impact assessment showed a five percent increase in line efficiency and a rise in women in management roles. Female supervisors saw an average 39 per cent wage increase.

"The RMG sector, employing over 4.2 million people, is a key economic pillar, contributing nearly 11 per cent to the GDP. We see the GEAR as a great investment for advocating gender equality, increasing productivity, and empowering women to embrace leadership roles," says Mohamad Anis Agung Nugroho, Programme Manager, Better Work Bangladesh.

Workshop for Committee Formation for Industry Skills Council of Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Cox's Bazar

6 December 2023: Cox's Bazar, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is on the brink of a transformative journey that will not only enhance the economic prospects of the local host community but will also bring about a positive change in the tourism and hospitality sector. The recent workshop organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) was focused on the formation of a local Industry Skills Council (ISC) for the Tourism and Hospitality sector. It will monitor and review skill development practices, provide leadership and strategic advice, and foster partnerships between industry and training organizations in the tourism sector.

The initiative stems from a broader project aimed at empowering the Bangladeshi host community in Cox’s Bazar through gender-sensitive, market-relevant skills development. The ILO, in collaboration with UNDP (a2i) and BRAC, is spearheading the implementation, monitoring, and supervision of this initiative. The primary goal is to create employment and self-employment opportunities in growth sectors for the local communities.

Objectives of the workshop

Evaluate the current employment scenario in the tourism and hospitality sector of Cox's Bazar.
Establish a local Industry Skills Council to support industry and training institutes in delivering market-driven training programs.
Devise a two-year working plan for the sector outlining the ISC's role in the district.
Explore strategies to integrate female trainees into the local industry.

Workshop outcomes

A local committee for the ISC-tourism and hospitality with 12 to 15 members in Cox's Bazar was formed, equipping them with an understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
Mapped out and identified destinations for community tourism activities and community-based micro-entrepreneurship development opportunities in the identified destinations.
Participants engaged in valuable knowledge sharing regarding policy frameworks and interventions for job creation in the tourism sector.

The Way Forward

The establishment of the local committee for the Industry Skills Council for the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Cox's Bazar signifies a collaborative effort to drive positive change. This proactive approach, involving government offices, industry associations, and various stakeholders, sets the stage for a more inclusive and sustainable tourism sector. As the two-year plan unfolds, the local community can look forward to enhanced skills, increased job opportunities, and a tourism sector that not only thrives economically but also uplifts the entire community.

In conclusion, the workshop is a crucial step towards realizing the full potential of Cox’s Bazar, making it a beacon for responsible and community-driven tourism. Through skill development and strategic partnerships, the Industry Skills Council promises to be a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably among all members of the community.

ILO in Bangladesh to steer UN’s disability inclusion agenda for next two years

The ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen has been selected as the next UN Disability Champion. On behalf of the UN agencies based in Bangladesh, he will coordinate the UN Disability Inclusion Task Team that works to mainstream disability inclusion in the UN

3 December 2023: The ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen has been selected as the next UN Disability Champion. On behalf of the UN agencies based in Bangladesh, he will coordinate the UN Disability Inclusion Task Team that works to mainstream disability inclusion in the UN.

The team includes representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities, the government of Bangladesh, and other stakeholders, all of whom work together to accelerate implementation of Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and ensure disability inclusivity in all aspects of SDG implementation.

The Government of Bangladesh ratified the UNCRPD in November 2007 without any reservation and has since domesticated the Convention into its national laws including the 2013 Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities act (RPPD), and published rules for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in 2015.

It has further had established the Physical Disability Protection Trust, “Maitri Shilpa”, to provide social support for unemployed persons with physical disabilities. Persons with disabilities have been able to access employment through job fairs organized by the National Disabled Development Foundation. The Government has also established a vocational training centre for persons with disabilities.

However much remains to be done to ensure effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and in implementing disability-related SDGs.

“One of the most important things is to address biases that people with disabilities face daily so that they are accepted as equal co-workers at the workplace,” said ILO’s Tuomo Poutiainen in a video message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. “We must also ensure that they have the kind of skills and the education and the opportunities to access decent jobs.”

The UN Disability Inclusion Task Team works towards making the UN in Bangladesh more inclusive of persons with disabilities through its human resources policies, its programmes, projects and operations.

It also acts as a platform for coordination, cross-fertilization of ideas, resource sharing, and to ensure coherent, coordinated and holistic achievement of disability inclusive results from UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Capacity Building Workshop for the Principals and Trainers of TVET Institutions in Cox’s Bazar

ILO in partnership with UNDP, FAO and BRAC, together with the Department of Youth Development, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports has launched the skills and livelihoods programme with the financial support of Global Affairs Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

5 December 2023: The primary focus of the Capacity Building Workshop was to empower the Heads of Vocational Schools and Trainers in Cox’s Bazar with the necessary skills and knowledge in implementing the Competency-Based Training (CBT) delivery system. The workshop aimed to provide comprehensive training on the registration process with the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) and to elucidate the Roles and Responsibilities of the Heads of Schools and Trainers in delivering market-driven, quality-assured skills training programs.

Workshop outcomes

Orientation on BTEB Procedures: Participants gained insights into the procedures for the submission of applications to the BTEB, a crucial step in achieving registration as a training organization and accreditation of learning programmes under the National Technical and Vocational Qualifications Framework (NTVQF).
Competency-Based Training and Assessment: The workshop delivered a thorough orientation on the methodologies involved in Competency-Based Training and Assessment. Participants were equipped with the knowledge needed to implement these methodologies effectively in their respective institutions.
Preparation for RTO Application: As a tangible outcome, participants were actively engaged in preparing their Registered Training Organization (RTO) applications. This hands-on experience ensured that the attendees left the workshop ready to submit comprehensive applications to the BTEB.

A total of 35 participants were present in the workshop consisting of DG, DYD, Principals/Heads of Institutions, Department of Youth Development, Upazila Youth Development Officer, District Education Office and ILO representatives. The workshop encompassed interactive sessions, practical exercises, and informative presentations by experts in the field. Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences and challenges related to Competency-Based Training.

Challenges and solutions

While the workshop was successful, some challenges were identified:

Limited awareness among trainers about the Competency-Based Training approach.
Time constraints for participants with busy schedules.
To address these challenges, the workshop incorporated interactive methods, case studies, and practical scenarios, ensuring a holistic understanding and accommodating participants’ time constraints.

The Capacity Building Workshop for Principals and Trainers of TVET Institutions in Cox’s Bazar played a pivotal role in enhancing the skills and capacities of key stakeholders in the vocational education sector. By focusing on Competency-Based Training, BTEB procedures, and institutional roles, the workshop contributed to building a more robust and effective TVET ecosystem in the region.

The active participation and commitment of the 35 participants, representing diverse roles and organizations, underscore the collaborative spirit towards advancing vocational education. The workshop's success lies not only in the knowledge imparted but also in the potential for positive, sustainable impacts on skills development and quality assurance in TVET institutions in Cox’s Bazar.