Photo: UNDP

DHAKA, July 29, 2026 (BSS) – Over 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 CIRDAP in Dhaka today to present the findings of the economic empowerment and livelihood interventions implemented under the SWAPNO-II project, according to a UNDP press release.

Implemented by the Local Government Division with technical support from UNDP and financial assistance from the governments of Sweden and Marico, the initiative reached 10,188 ultra-poor female-headed households across 283 union parishads in 32 upazilas.

The beneficiaries 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 remained committed to expanding women's access to skills, financial services, economic opportunities and decent livelihoods.

He said the experience had shown that a well-designed poverty graduation approach, supported by strong partnerships among the government, development partners, non-governmental organisations and the private sector, could bring about lasting and transformative change.

Dr Md Monirul Islam, Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division and National Project Director of SWAPNO-II, 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.

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