Her Power Project is a Bangladeshi initiative co-powered by Riseup Labs. It is a significant initiative aligned with the visionary' Digital Bangladesh – Vision 2041' of the Bangladesh government. The aim is to empower women and enhance transparency, accountability, and governance across all levels and sectors. It connects citizens, ensuring access to essential services even in the remotest corners of Bangladesh.

Objectives:
The Her Power Project aims to train 25,125 women in various categories across 130 upazilas and establish a single women entrepreneurship platform for them as ICT professionals and entrepreneurs.

Results:
i) 10,500 women are trained in critical digital skills, preparing them for the freelance market.
ii) Increased income for participating women, leading to improved well-being and family security.
iii) Creation of a network of skilled female freelancers contributing to the global talent pool.

Impact:
Her Power Project recognizes the need for the full participation of women in ICT-related activities for Bangladesh's long-term economic stability and prosperity. The project has empowered 6,720 women to pursue careers as entrepreneurs in the ICT business by providing training and internship opportunities.

https://herpower.gov.bd/

• Bangladesh

• Youth
• Older persons
• Women
• The unemployed
• Remote and rural communities

Her Power Project's success in empowering Bangladeshi women through freelancing training holds immense potential for replication nationwide. Here's how the government and NGOs can adapt and implement this model in various contexts:

1) Focus on underserved areas or communities facing unique challenges, like rural women or those with disabilities.
2) Utilize online platforms and mobile apps to reach a wider audience and overcome geographical limitations.
3) Offer training in additional in-demand skills like content writing, data entry, and virtual assistance to cater to a broader range of freelance opportunities.
4) Governments and NGOs can allocate resources to support training programs, provide scholarships, and invest in infrastructure like digital learning platforms.
5) Partner with local NGOs and educational institutions to reach marginalized women.

By adapting and scaling the Her Power Project model, Bangladesh can empower women across diverse communities, fostering economic independence, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.

The Her Power Project's sustainability can be analyzed through three essential lenses: financial, social, and environmental:
The sustainability of this project lies in its multifaceted approach, addressing not just immediate needs but also building long-term resilience and adaptability. By diversifying funding, fostering community ownership, and promoting environmental consciousness, the project can continue empowering women and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for Bangladesh.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) outlined core values to guide the development of an inclusive and equitable Information Society. The Her Power Project in Bangladesh beautifully embodies these values, empowering women and fostering a more vibrant digital future for the community. Let's explore how: 1. Access to Information and Knowledge: Utilizing online platforms and mobile apps expands access to training beyond physical limitations, reaching women in remote areas and those with limited mobility. 2. Freedom of Expression and the Right to be Heard: i) Freelancing opportunities: By enabling women to build online businesses and careers, Her Power empowers them to express their creativity, skills, and ideas through their work, amplifying their voices in the digital landscape. ii) Networking and support groups: The project fosters online and offline communities where women can connect, share experiences, and advocate for their rights and interests. 3. Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue: i) Focus on local communities: Her Power recognizes the diversity within Bangladesh, tailoring its training and support to the specific needs and cultural contexts of different communities. ii) Promoting global connections: By equipping women with digital skills and online business knowledge, the project opens doors to international collaboration and intercultural dialogue, fostering understanding and respect. 4. Building a Sustainable Information Society: i) Focus on digital skills for employment: Her Power equips women with skills relevant to the digital economy, enabling them to contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive information society. ii) Environmental awareness: The project promotes responsible online practices and remote work options, minimizing the environmental impact of the digital economy.