Experts gathered in Dhaka on Tuesday to emphasize the importance of introducing digital literacy and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training to prepare young women for the job market. The dialogue, titled “Reforms in vocational education, employability, and market readiness: agenda on adolescent and young women,” was organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
During the event, CPD’s research director Khondaker Golam Moazzem and senior research associate ASM Shamim Alam Shibly presented findings from a recent study conducted in collaboration with Save the Children. The study focused on vocational education and employability of adolescent girls and young women in Kishoreganj. It revealed that young women face significant barriers, including limited access to high-demand technical training and skill mismatches with the job market.
The research, which surveyed 845 adolescent girls and 883 young women from 13 upazilas in Kishoreganj, recommended the development of skill courses tailored to regional economic needs, the establishment of apprenticeship programs in collaboration with local industries, and the enhancement of soft skills, such as leadership and conflict resolution, to better prepare young women for professional roles.
Nasreen Afroz, executive chairperson of the National Skills Development Authority, addressed the event as the chief guest. She emphasized that creating a skills ecosystem requires a holistic approach and inclusion of all stakeholders, ensuring that skills demands are met across sectors.
Mirza Nurul Ghani Shovon, president of the National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh, added that skills training alone is insufficient unless it is accompanied by opportunities to foster entrepreneurship. He stressed that training should be sector-specific, well-planned, and move beyond traditional areas like sewing.
Rasheda K Choudhury, member of the CPD board of trustees, conducted the dialogue.
