The Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) is focused on empowering women leaders through training in both technical and soft skills. The organization’s goal is to develop successful female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. With the support of the Asian Development Bank and the Ministry of Finance, BSDI is working in partnership with the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BWCCI) to provide training to women in the country.
Since 2019, BSDI has been offering training programs in Food & Beverage Production & Entrepreneurship Development and IT Freelancing & Entrepreneurship Development. Each year, 200 women participate in these training programs, with a total of 600 women have completed their training so far. The results have been impressive, with 60% of the participants starting their own businesses and creating nearly 1800 jobs in Bangladesh. This initiative has been a significant contribution to the development of women’s leadership in the country. BSDI is working to empower women in Bangladesh by providing them with the skills and training they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Through its partnership with the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries and support from the government, BSDI is helping to create new opportunities for women in the country.
The program Structure BSDI offers a 100% practical-based training program to its participants. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with trainees spending time mastering techniques in various cuisines including Indian, continental, Thai, Italian, and bakery & pastry. The training is led by an expert lead trainer and master chef, and facilitated by a co-trainer in a state-of-the-art lab equipped with modern equipment and utensils. This provides the trainees with real-life experience in the industry.
After completing 50 days of intensive practical training, the trainees receive additional training in entrepreneurship development. During these 10 days, the female participants learn how to generate business ideas and develop a bank-financeable business plan. They receive hands-on training in the marketing mix (product, price, place, and promotion), capital management, costing, financial planning (cashflow management, sales plan, cost plan, profit plan) and human resource management.
Success Stories:
BSDI has a wealth of success stories and has received numerous visits from dignitaries, experts, and government and foreign officials who are interested in seeing the progress of female trainees and learning how BSDI is transforming them from job seekers into job creators.
First, a notable highlight was when a high-level delegation led by the country director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the BSDI training lab in 2019. The delegation was impressed with the confidence of the training participants and the country director of ADB extended an invitation for the trainee group to prepare lunch for the entire ADB Dhaka office team. The trainees accepted the challenge
and cooked a delicious meal using the ADB kitchen, showcasing their skills and knowledge gained through the BSDI training program.
The second notable event was when a delegation from BMET, led by the Director General, visited the BSDI lab and interacted with the trainees. The trainees greeted the DG and his team with a tasty salad that they had prepared, which was highly appreciated by the delegation. Impressed with the quality of the salad,
the delegates immediately placed an order for 400 servings for their upcoming meeting at BMET, which the trainees completed successfully. The third notable event was a training participant from BSDI was honored with a prestigious entrepreneurship award from a leading entrepreneurial network in Bangladesh for her exceptional achievements in entrepreneurship.
The Impact of BSDI Initiative:
The initiative by the Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) to provide training and empower women in leadership is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides women with the skills and knowledge they need to start their own businesses and become successful entrepreneurs. This helps to address gender inequality in the workplace and empowers women to take control of their financial independence.
Secondly, the initiative helps to create new job opportunities for women in Bangladesh. The trainees who successfully complete the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses, which in turn creates new jobs for others in the community. Thirdly, empowering women in leadership can have a positive impact on the wider economy. Research has shown that countries with higher levels of gender equality tend to have stronger economies and more sustainable growth. By investing in women’s leadership development, BSDI is contributing to the long-term economic growth of Bangladesh. Empowering women in leadership is essential for creating a more equal and sustainable future. The initiative by BSDI to provide training and support to female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh is a significant step towards achieving SDG goals.
Why women entrepreneurship is crucial:
Developing women entrepreneurship is crucial for strengthening the economic development of Bangladesh for several reasons: Addressing gender inequality: Women in Bangladesh face significant barriers to entering the workforce and starting their own businesses, including limited access to finance, education, and training. By developing women entrepreneurship, Bangladesh can help to address these inequalities and empower women to take control of their financial futures.
Boosting economic growth:
Studies have shown that when women participate in the economy as entrepreneurs, they tend to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities, which can have a positive impact on economic growth and stability.
Creating new jobs:
By supporting women to start their own businesses, Bangladesh can create new job opportunities and reduce unemployment, particularly among women who face higher levels of unemployment than men.
Diversifying the economy:
Women entrepreneurs often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the business world, which can help to diversify and strengthen the economy. Improving quality of life: By empowering women to become entrepreneurs, Bangladesh can help to improve the quality of life for women and their families, who are often the most vulnerable members of society.
The Outcome of the Initiative:
The initiative of the Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) to empower women through training has had positive outcomes so far. With 60% of the participants starting their own businesses and creating nearly 1800 jobs, BSDI has helped to create new opportunities for female entrepreneurs in the country.
This has not only provided women with greater economic independence but has also helped to close the gender gap in the workforce and challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Furthermore, the hands-on training provided by BSDI has given the female participants real-life experience in the industry, which will be invaluable to them as they continue to develop their businesses. The additional training in entrepreneurship development has also equipped the women with the knowledge and skills they need to create bank financeable business plans and successfully manage their businesses.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the initiative by BSDI to empower women through training and support can play a significant role in enhancing women’s resilience. By building confidence, improving financial independence, creating a supportive network, and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, BSDI is helping to equip women with the skills and resources they need to succeed.
Ref of Asian Development Bank : https://www.adb.org/news/videos/cooking-new-skills-dhaka
Ref of Daffodil Family : https://blog.daffodil.family/adb-organized-special-culinary-skill-competition-for-bsdi-trainees/
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