Experts in Bangladesh emphasised introducing digital literacy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics training to equip young women for the job market.
They made the observation at a dialogue titled ‘Reforms in vocational education, employability and market readiness: agenda on adolescent and young women’ organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue in the capital Dhaka.
In the event, CPD research director Khondaker Golam Moazzem and senior research associate ASM Shamim Alam Shibly delivered the keynote presentation on a recent study conducted by the CPD with the Save the Children in Bangladesh, on the vocational education and employability of adolescent girls and young women in Kishoreganj.
They highlighted that young women face barriers, including limited access to high-demand technical training, and skill mismatches with the job market.
The study, which interviewed 845 adolescent girls and 883 young women of 13 upazilas in Kishoreganj, recommended the development of skill courses based on regional economic needs, the creation of apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with local industries and improving soft skills, like leadership and conflict resolution, to prepare young women for professional roles.
Addressing the event as the chief guest, National Skills Development Authority executive chairperson Nasreen Afroz said, ‘Without a holistic approach, a skills ecosystem cannot be created. Everyone needs to be included, and their skills demands must be met.’
National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh president Mirza Nurul Ghani Shovon said that skills training alone was not enough unless space was provided to foster entrepreneurship.
He said that training must be sector-specific, planned early on, and go beyond traditional areas like sewing.
Member of CPD board of trustees Rasheda K Choudhury conducted the dialogue.
Source: https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/253077/digital-literacy-stem-training-for-young-women-urged