More than 10,000 ultra-poor and climate-vulnerable women across 12 districts have received support to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen their economic resilience and move towards a life free from poverty through a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government.

The Local Government Division and UNDP jointly organised a national dissemination workshop at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday to present the findings of the economic empowerment and livelihood interventions under the Strengthening Women's Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO-II) project, according to a press release.

Implemented by the Local Government Division with technical support from the UNDP and supported by the government of Sweden and Marico, the initiative targeted 10,188 ultra-poor female-headed households across 283 unions and 32 upazilas. The participants include women who are widowed, divorced, separated or abandoned, as well as women whose husbands have disabilities that prevent them from earning a minimum income.

Speaking as the chief guest, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan said the government remains committed to expanding women’s access to skills, financial services, economic opportunities and decent livelihoods.

He said the experience showed that a well-designed poverty graduation approach, supported by strong partnerships between the government, development partners, non-government organisations and the private sector, could create lasting and transformative change.

Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division and National Project Director of SWAPNO-II Dr Md Monirul Islam said evidence and learning were essential for improving public policy and designing future programmes for ultra-poor and climate-vulnerable women.

“The findings will help us understand what has worked, identify opportunities for improvement and inform future initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive local development,” he said.

Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh Anowarul Haq delivered the welcome address, while Portfolio Adviser at Innovision Consulting Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman presented the assessment findings.

Participants emphasised the importance of using the assessment findings to strengthen future poverty reduction programmes and expand sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable women across Bangladesh.