Youth Programming Approach:Overcoming Gender Barriers in South Asia

Nalini Chugani, Education Development Center (EDC)

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The Bangladesh Youth Employment Pilot (BYEP)

- 21 month project (2008-10)- $538,570 - Focused on the challenges and opportunities for

improved vocational skills for youth in the fast-growing aquaculture industry.

EQUIP3: Demonstrating the impact of youth programming interventions on fragility

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The Minority Education for Growth and Advancement–Skills for Youth (MEGA SkY) ‐

• 24 month project (2009-2011)• $2million • Create educational and skill building

opportunities for marginalized children and youth, especially Muslims.

Perceptions of Male/Female Youth• Unproductive/Idle, Irresponsible • Parents want youth to engage in employment

near home/village• Gender Bias

Young girls view themselves…• Dependent on male family members• Lack mobility (homebound) – no viable options• Goal of marriage

What do Youth want?• Learn new skills, Expand existing knowledge • Earn respect of community• Remain within their villages (rural youth)

Female Interests..• Self-employment• Flexible work hours• Basic Literacy & Numeracy

Male interests..• Substantial training – technical skills• Sources of seed capital for self-employment opportunities

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Overcoming Socio-Cultural Gender Norms

Community Engagement Raise Awareness Engage Community Leaders &Youth Parent Involvement Identify Role Models Sense of Belonging

EQUIP3: Demonstrating the impact of youth programming interventions on fragility

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“When women have the right skills and opportunities, they can help business and markets grow,” ICRW

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Shifting Community Norms..Transforming Attitudes

• Community Engagement• Relevant & Practical

Training• Safe spaces

EQUIP3: Youth Programming Approach: Overcoming Gender Barriers

EQUIP3: Demonstrating the impact of youth programming interventions on fragility

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Male perspective on programs• “I am now comfortable

working with women. Earlier I thought they are incapable of any hard work and often they are lazy. But now I know they are same like us and can some time be more sincere.”

• – Kutub, BYEP graduate

• “I am very happy that my children are learning skills and learning to read. This will ensure that my daughters will be self-reliant .”

• – Mr. Ahmed, MEGA-SkY, India (parent)

Breaking Gender Barriers…Transforming Perceptions

Hosne Ara’s Story20-year old young female training program graduate

employed as a prawn hatchery technician…