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“Across the globe, women are less likely to work for pay, and, when they do, they make less.” (link: Five ways to make skills training work for women) Young women continue to face significant barriers to accessing education, skills development, and decent employment opportunities. Despite the growing recognition that economic empowerment is key to achieving gender equality and inclusive growth, many women are still left behind due to systemic challenges. Addressing this pressing issue requires targeted interventions by development projects that equip women with the necessary skills to enter and thrive in the workforce.
Therefore, the BYETS project is dedicated to enhancing the employability of young individuals, particularly women, by providing industry-relevant training. The project focuses on three key sectors— Readymade Garments (RMG), Agro-Processing (AP), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). BYETS implements a structured approach to skills training through three intervention approaches: classroom-based ICT training in digital fields such as graphic design, web development, and digital marketing and software quality assurance (SQA); workplace-based training (WBT) in RMG and AP sectors by developing in-house master trainers and assessors, where training is conducted directly in factories; and a Dual Training System (DTS) model that combines classroom instruction with apprenticeships in AP factories, ensuring hands-on experience.
At Karim Textiles, BYETS has developed master trainers who are continuing to train workers on sewing machine operations. One such trainer is Lipi Banu, a single mother raising her young son alone. Lipi faced numerous hardships, including early marriage, financial struggles, and severe back pain that required costly painkillers. Despite these challenges, she persevered. After receiving BYETS training, she became a full-time trainer, supporting workers and production supervisors. “I am grateful for the opportunity from the BYETS project,” Lipi shares. “Now, I get respect from everyone in the factory; they listen to what I have to say.” Inspired by Lipi and other successful women, BYETS has introduced a new supervisory training wing in some of the partner factories to help women workers transition into leadership roles. BYETS currently has partnerships with 59 RMG factories across Dhaka and Chattogram.
Workers in RMG factories who aspire to become operators undergo a pre-assessment and are selected by the factory to receive training from master trainers. One such dedicated young individual is Masuda Khatun, who faced financial hardship before joining Giant Textiles as a factory helper. With no prior experience, she found the environment overwhelming. However, after receiving training in sewing machine operation, she was promoted to operator. Now, she aspires to become a Grade 1 operator and excel in her factory. “I want to see myself as one of the best operators in the factory,” she says with determination, attributing her progress to the skills and confidence gained through BYETS training.
In addition to RMG, BYETS has introduced WBT in large Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Jute factories, by training master trainers who then train workers on industry best practices. One such worker, Rojina Khatun of IFAD Multi Products Ltd., participated in a five-day training program covering workplace safety, hygiene, and operational efficiency. Rojina now applies these lessons daily which improves her performance at work. Also, the training helped her improve her soft skills. “The training also helped me overcome my initial struggles with communication and confidence,” she says. The training helped her better understand global food and safety standards and showed her why it's so important to follow the right steps carefully to make sure everything stays safe.
BYETS is facilitating the skills development of youth across four divisions—Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chattogram—to provide ICT training. Sabiha Khatun, a 22-year-old chemistry student from Rajshahi, enrolled in Digital Marketing training at the E-Learning and Earning Centre while juggling her studies and private tutoring. Previously unfamiliar with social media and digital platforms, Sabiha was amazed by the opportunities in digital marketing. “Before the training, I had no idea how much the digital world had to offer. Now, I feel equipped to step into this space with confidence,” she shares enthusiastically. She is currently working towards becoming a skilled freelancer in the field of digital marketing.
The inspiring stories from the women of the BYETS project highlight the importance of targeted interventions to upskill women in the RMG, AP, and ICT sectors. In response, the BYETS project is committed to addressing the needs and rights of disadvantaged groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities. To build a more inclusive workforce, development initiatives like BYETS are not only investing in skills training for women across sectors but are also working to ensure their successful entry into the job market — helping them move towards greater self-sufficiency in life.