financial inclusion

June 6, 2023

Grassroot entrepreneurs leading Bangladesh’s sanitation revolution

Bangladesh’s drive towards zero open defecation has led to an increase in demand for high-quality latrine building materials in both rural and urban areas. This has created a unique opportunity for many locals to unlock their entrepreneurial spirit while contributing to better sanitation in their communities. Read more to learn how.
April 26, 2023

Confronting marginalisation with meetings. Can it foster indigenous leadership?

Northern Bangladesh is home to 80% of the country's indigenous population. More than 18 languages are spoken by members of these indigenous communities upholding their rich culture, long practised heritage and colourful way of life. This diversity also lends itself as a factor in attaining universal acceptability for indigenous leaders which has historically led to a dearth of formal indigenous leaders. Can we foster local leadership by ensuring a safe platform at the community level?
December 22, 2022

5 key support pillars for robust digital financial inclusion of women

Nine out of every ten women in Bangladesh still don’t have access to digital financial services. What are the socio-economic barriers hindering their inclusion and how do we design solutions to bring down the barriers stopping women from making the digital transition?
December 1, 2022

Purses made digital: How fintechs can better serve women

Digital financial platforms are an enabler for financial inclusion, but approximately 740 million women globally still remain outside of formal or digital financial services. How can the fintech industry better tap into its potential for greater financial inclusion, so that women have the control over their purses?
December 1, 2022

There’s more to social protection than just allowances

Social security programmes in Bangladesh date back to the 1970s, but continue to be plagued by errors, including a failure to reach those who need it the most. Today, we must look beyond cash allowances and focus on lowering dependency on such programmes.
November 16, 2022

5 lessons towards a workforce that works for women

85% of employment in Bangladesh is in the informal sector, yet training opportunities in the sector are limited. BRAC’s skills training for advancing resources (STAR) provides a platform for young people to hone their skills, build confidence and take charge of their livelihoods.
May 16, 2022

Data for good: Doing development with digitalisation

Communities across the globe are connected through the power of information and technology. Consumption patterns have been altered and traditional ways of working disrupted. How does this play out in the development sector?
April 7, 2022

Living behind the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label

It’s 4am, still half dark outside. Moyna Begum wakes up from the sound of water rushing from the tube well. Her first thought is how long that queue gets every morning. 10 families share one tube well and one hygiene facility. She rushes to the tube well with a bucket, to collect the water she will use for the rest of that day.
April 4, 2022

The importance of social empowerment to break the poverty trap

Through regular mentorship and life-skills training, as well as providing linkages to community associations, the Graduation approach’s prioritisation of socially empowering participants improves their overall well-being, enables self sufficiency, and strengthens social inclusion within their community long term. 
February 27, 2022

Mobile money can be scary. How can we change that?

Mobile money has shown immense potential over the last decade, but remains a source of dread for many people living in poverty and inequality, particularly women. How can initiatives be designed to gain their trust?
February 9, 2022

Recapping 2021: Five highlights from BRAC International Microfinance

Despite the numerous challenges we faced in 2021, our financial institutions in all six countries have emerged stronger, more resilient, and ready for growth. It was possible due to the courage and commitment of BRAC staff members on the ground who stood by the people and the communities we serve.
December 3, 2021

Ending poverty for people with disabilities: What will it take?

In Bangladesh, one in 10 people live with a disability. That's 16 million people, more than double of the population of Hong Kong. While countries around the world have made progress in reducing poverty, the condition of the majority of people with disabilities has not improved. People with disabilities continue to live with a higher poverty and unemployment rate.