The female participation rate in Bangladesh's labor force reached 42.68% in 2022, marking an increase from 36.3% five years prior, as the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported on March 29, 2023.

While women significantly contribute to household incomes, they often encounter challenges when making financial decisions. Their access to and control over their earnings tends to be limited due to various factors, including societal norms and a lack of experience, which can contribute to lower confidence levels. It is common for women to entrust their earnings to family members such as husbands or fathers, resulting in minimal say regarding allocating those funds. Additionally, some men in these households appear to lack awareness or willingness to engage in planning and saving.

Recognizing these challenges, the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is committed to implementing initiatives designed to elevate women's status in both the domestic and professional spheres.

https://demo.bnnrc.net/web/content/40

• Bangladesh

• Women
• Rural Women in line with Germants worker family.

The initiatives are designed to enhance awareness and strengthen the capacities of community members, particularly youth women entering the job market or already employed. Our focus will be on self-management, financial planning, mobile financial services, online agent banking, digital payments, communication skills, the advantages of saving and budgeting, and the potential risks of neglecting these essential skills. These objectives will be pursued through a series of informative radio programs that can be adapted for implementation in any community.

Community radio has long been a vital platform for amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, enabling them to express their opinions and engage in discussions about political and social matters. It will facilitate both active and passive communication and outreach on a global scale. Furthermore, a social media campaign through the radio's Facebook page will be a collaborative space for young individuals to share innovative ideas on poverty alleviation and gender equality while providing vital financial education by establishing robust institutions and partnerships.

Through thoughtful initiatives, approximately 115 radio broadcasters and volunteers have been equipped with essential skills in financial literacy, mobile financial services, online agent banking, digital payments, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and time and stress management. Notably, 80 of these individuals are women, highlighting our commitment to inclusivity. Participants are encouraged to integrate these skills into their daily lives, fostering ongoing professional development.

Furthermore, the radio programs have provided valuable resources and digital competencies to youth, particularly young women, empowering them to articulate their needs and strategically prioritize investment opportunities. The program is designed to function inclusively, engaging key media stakeholders, communication experts, civil society organizations, and government representatives, which enhances the potential for long-term empowerment.

Additionally, the initiatives have gathered community-driven priorities that inform policymakers and duty-bearers, assisting them in making informed decisions to promote inclusive development.

This intervention seeks to foster the values outlined in the WSIS Action Line C4 within Bangladeshi communities, promoting a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. By enhancing women's capacity and encouraging participation from all community members, we aim to increase awareness and understanding of financial literacy, mobile financial services, online agent banking, and digital payments. Furthermore, this initiative is dedicated to promoting self-learning and informed decision-making in family and workplace settings, contributing to the overall growth and development of the community.