financial inclusion

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.
October 21, 2021

Escaping poverty long term: Investing in the multidimensional needs of the next generation

Extreme poverty has many faces and varies in different contexts. The “official” definition of extreme poverty is stated in terms of income – living on less than $1.90 per day. But extreme poverty is about more than a lack of income.
September 23, 2021

Client Interaction Points: How BRAC is facilitating RMG workers to access financial services in Bangladesh

Workers in the readymade garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh have taxing working hours every day. By the time their shifts end, it is usually time to go home and prepare for the next day. In order to access any financial services on a workday, they mostly have to take a leave or travel far, resulting in a pay cut at work. Against this backdrop, BRAC’s client interaction points (CIP) work as a service point for RMG workers to access financial services.
September 6, 2021

‘New poor’: Ensuring inclusive growth amidst the new challenges of the pandemic

24 million people, or 14% of the population, have been newly pushed into poverty as a result of the pandemic in Bangladesh. Learn how BRAC has introduced new interventions to ensure that this group can restart their lives as the country emerges from lockdowns, and build resilience for future shocks.
September 5, 2021

Demonstrating the impact of client-centric microfinance

In the past two years, we have heard from over 5,000 clients across seven countries in 10 languages. Together with social performance management activities, these phone-based perception surveys are now part of our ongoing efforts to keep ourselves accountable to the impact bottom line. Read an excerpt from our Microfinance Impact Report:
August 8, 2021

Development that works for indigenous people in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is home to over 50 indigenous groups. They speak over 35 languages and comprise over 1.8% of the population. 80% live in the plainlands in northern Bangladesh and the rest live in the south, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. BRAC’s indigenous project has been working with indigenous people living in plainlands in Bangladesh for nine years now, and has learnt valuable lessons on what works.
July 13, 2021

Village cooperatives addressing COVID-19: Stories from the gas-field regions of greater Sylhet

Cooperative societies are the major wheel turners of the rural economy in Bangladesh. With 3,998 members, 110 village development organisations have been established around the gas-field areas of Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts of Bangladesh. These cooperatives, formed to enhance the socio-economic conditions of its members, are registered with the government’s Department of Cooperatives, supported by the Jibika project in collaboration with BRAC and Chevron.
July 13, 2021

Adapting the Graduation approach for urban poverty

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt economies around the globe, the number of people living in urban poverty is increasing at an alarming rate. Urban contexts present unique challenges to poverty that require contextualised, adaptable interventions. Learn how BRAC is helping communities living in urban poverty address these challenges.
July 6, 2021

Putting farmers first: Introducing seasonal loans from BRAC Microfinance

Where does the food on your plate come from? In Bangladesh, food security is primarily maintained by the agricultural sector. However, challenges exist in financing agricultural activities, particularly for farmers living in vulnerable conditions.
June 15, 2021

Dry fish, betel leaf and business: Three women challenging poverty in Bangladesh

Cox’s Bazar, popular as the longest uninterrupted sea beach in the world, is also now globally known as the home of the largest refugee camp. The sudden influx of refugees added multiple challenges to people living in the host community, including a fall in wages and price hike of essential commodities. Cox’s Bazar’s geographic location, social and religious outlook, and refugee surplus demand targeted development interventions to lessen the economic vulnerability of the host communities residing there.