Objectives

1. Equip marginalized adolescent girls and young women (aged 14-25) with employable and transferable skills through technical, vocational, and life skills training.
2. Establish safe learning environments in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban districts to foster education, empowerment, and protection against gender-based violence, child marriage, and exploitation.
3. Enhance economic opportunities and promote gender equity by supporting nearly 11,000 girls and young women in developing vocational and life skills.

Project Summary

In Bangladesh, adolescent girls, especially in remote communities of Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban, face significant barriers to education and employment, exacerbated by poverty, early marriage, and gender-based violence. In partnership with UNICEF, The Shopner Sharothi project addresses these challenges by empowering nearly 11,000 girls and young women with vocational and life skills, preparing them for future employment and leadership roles. These skills are delivered through Girls-Only Learning Centers, offering training in areas such as IT, entrepreneurship, and retail services, while sports-based programs like the Seashore Girls Surfer Hub further enhance leadership and soft skills.

The project directly benefits girls and young women who are particularly marginalized and underserved (aged 14-25) while indirectly impacting families and communities through awareness campaigns on gender-based violence and harmful social practices. By creating safe and inclusive learning environments, Shopner Sharothi not only improves employability but also fosters a supportive community ecosystem with better and inclusive economic opportunities. Collaboration with local authorities, private sector partners, development partners and educational institutions ensures that these young women continue to access opportunities for growth even after the project’s completion. Additionally, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability by leveraging community ownership and engaging local stakeholders. The use of the Passport to Earning (P2E) platform provides ongoing access to learning and employment pathways to reach 5,500 girls from secondary, higher secondary and tertiary educational institutions. Through these integrated efforts, Shopner Sharothi aims to create lasting change in the lives of marginalized girls and young women in Bangladesh, promoting both economic empowerment and gender equity.