Empowering Widows and Youth

Bangladesh continues to grapple with significant economic challenges. The national unemployment rate stood at 5.3% in 2024, reflecting persistent barriers to job creation and workforce entry (World Bank Gender Data Portal). Meanwhile, 18.7% of the population lives below the national poverty line, highlighting ongoing hardship for millions of families (Databank). Widows and unemployed youth are disproportionately affected by these trends: without targeted support, they face social stigma, income insecurity, and limited prospects for self-reliance.

SAWAB Foundation’s Empowering Widows and Youth Program responds to these urgent needs by delivering skills training, startup resources, and psychosocial care—fostering dignity, economic empowerment, and community resilience.

• Equip widows and youth (aged 18–30) with market-relevant skills and resources over the next 12 months.
• Enable at least 70% of graduates to launch micro-enterprises or secure employment within six months of program completion.

Overall Bangladesh. Although our Graduation Model can be scaled nationwide, we concentrate efforts in ten high-need districts: Kurigram, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Dhaka Slum, Cox’s Bazar, Panchagar, Thakurgaon

• Poverty rates exceed the national average by 8–12 percentage points.
• Seasonal flooding and river erosion repeatedly undermine livelihoods.
• Infrastructure and market access remain limited.

By prioritizing these districts, we align with government-identified poverty hotspots and maximize impact among the most vulnerable.

1. Widows with at least one dependent child, who lack stable income sources.
2. Unemployed youth (18–30 years) from low-income households, with basic literacy.
3. Selection process:
   • Community-led identification by local partner NGOs
   • Household visits and income verification
   • Final screening by SAWAB field team to ensure fairness and transparency

1. Skill Development Training
   • Sewing machine training + free distribution of a sewing machine upon graduation
   • Computer literacy & IT skills, with provision of refurbished laptops/tablets
   • Technical trades (e.g., mobile servicing, electrical wiring)
   • Handicraft training (jewelry making, woven goods), including raw materials kits
   • Small business development: workshops on business planning, bookkeeping, marketing
   • Driving training, covering basic vehicle operation and assistance with obtaining a learner’s permit
2. Seed Resources & Micro-grants
   • Starter kits (tools, raw materials)
   • Access to small grants or facilitated micro-loan applications
3. Psychosocial Support
   • Group counseling, peer support circles, and life-skills coaching
4. Market Linkages & Mentoring
   • Partnerships with local businesses for internships and product sales
   • Regular mentorship by established entrepreneurs

1. Phase 1: Mobilization & Baseline Assessment – Community meetings, beneficiary selection, and baseline income survey.
2. Phase 2: Training Delivery – 3–4 month vocational courses combined with fortnightly mentoring sessions.
3. Phase 3: Resource Distribution – Handover of equipment (machines, computers) and disbursement of micro-grants.
4. Phase 4: Business Incubation & Market Integration – Pop-up stalls, digital marketplace setup, and buyer introductions.
5. Phase 5: Monitoring & Evaluation – Quarterly tracking of income, employment status, and psychosocial wellbeing.
6. Phase 6: Graduation & Alumni Network – Formal certification, establishment of peer networks for ongoing support.

• Economic uplift: 75% of past participants launched sustainable micro-enterprises within six months.
• Income growth: Average monthly household income rose by 60% among program graduates.
• Social inclusion: 85% report improved self-esteem and community respect.
• Replication: Pilot in two districts expanded to four additional districts due to demonstrated success.

• Alumni-led cooperatives: Graduates form producer groups to share resources and market insights.
• Digital learning modules: Online refresher courses to reach remote beneficiaries.
• Private sector partnerships: Ongoing collaboration with local businesses for bulk procurement and job placements.
• Microfinance integration: Linkage with ethical micro-loan providers ensures continued access to capital.

• Online Donation: visit https://sawabfoundation.org.bd/product/donate-to-women-and-family-programs/
• In-Kind Gifts: donate refurbished laptops, sewing machines, or raw-material kits.
• Volunteer: mentor graduates, lead workshops, or assist with market events.
• Mobile Banking: bKash & Nagad Merchant No. 01880078510