Inclusion is a cornerstone of sustainable development, yet achieving it remains a significant challenge in Bangladesh. The nation's journey towards economic growth is deeply intertwined with fostering a skilled and inclusive workforce. However, barriers rooted in gender inequality, social identity, and disability often prevent marginalised groups from accessing opportunities. Recognising this, the Building Youth Employability Through Skills (BYETS) project, implemented by Swisscontact, has been a beacon of hope, addressing these issues through targeted interventions in vocational training programs.

Tackling gender stereotypes in ICT

Women's participation in the ICT sector in Bangladesh is markedly low, hindered by societal stereotypes and gender norms. Despite growing demand for digital skills, women are often discouraged from pursuing careers in ICT, perceived as a male-dominated field. BYETS is working to break these barriers by collaborating with training providers to design programs in graphic design, digital marketing, and web design. Currently, 30% of BYETS trainees are women, a significant step towards gender parity.

By encouraging women to become freelancers, these programs not only equip them with technical skills but also challenge the long-held societal taboo against women's involvement in ICT. Women trained under BYETS are beginning to carve out successful careers, inspiring others and creating a ripple effect in communities.

Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

For persons with disabilities, traditional training programs often fall short, failing to address specific challenges like mobility restrictions and accessibility. To bridge this gap, BYETS partnered with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) to launch a five-month residential ICT training program. Conducted at CRP's facility in Manikganj, the program provides participants with skills in Microsoft Office, graphic design, and other digital tools, enabling them to pursue freelancing and remote work opportunities.

Beyond training, BYETS and CRP also support participants in job placements and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive approach ensures that PwD can overcome physical and societal barriers, fostering independence and financial stability.

Integrating Indigenous Communities

Indigenous communities, constituting about 1% of Bangladesh's population, face systemic marginalisation that limits their access to education and employment. Geographic isolation and linguistic barriers further exacerbate their exclusion from formal job sectors. BYETS, in collaboration with Educo, another international NGO working with youth, and e-Learning & Earning Ltd., a private training service provider, has tailored market-driven ICT training programs to address these challenges.

These culturally sensitive programs leverage local networks to identify beneficiaries and provide training aligned with market demands. Youths  from local Santal communities are participating in the training. By equipping indigenous youth of Rajshahi with digital skills, BYETS enables them to access employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures, fostering inclusion in the workforce and contributing to community development.

A collaborative approach to inclusion

The success of BYETS underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to inclusion. By bringing together NGOs, private sector partners, and local communities, the project has created opportunities as diverse as the populations it serves. From tackling gender stereotypes to addressing mobility challenges and integrating indigenous youth, BYETS demonstrates that true inclusion requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration.

As Bangladesh strides towards a digital future, initiatives like BYETS highlight the potential of inclusive skill development to transform lives and build a more equitable society. By investing in marginalised groups, the nation not only fulfils its social responsibility but also unlocks untapped potential, driving growth and progress for all.

The BYETS project is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by Swisscontact.