Bangladesh is a densely populated country, with more than 1,000 people living per square kilometre. According to World Bank data, the overall unemployment rate was 5.3% in 2020, while youth unemployment stood at 12.13% in the same year. Unemployment has increased since 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women’s participation in the rural economy has grown significantly. They contribute to both on-farm and off-farm occupations, playing a crucial role in family income through activities such as crop production, livestock rearing, and fish farming. Their engagement largely depends on the volume of available work. The vulnerability of project areas has also increased due to post-pandemic challenges and rising inflation. Household incomes and purchasing capacities have declined significantly. Despite these challenges, women continue to play a pivotal role in the rural economy, particularly through their contributions to household income from livestock rearing, vegetable production, and small businesses. However, their income sources are often inconsistent, and they seek more stable opportunities. This project aims to ensure consistent income for rural youth and women through the CHP factory.

Many young people remain unemployed and lack opportunities for meaningful employment. This has made them a financial burden on their families and has created tension among family members. The project provides an opportunity for these youth to gain employment at CHP as skilled workers.

The target groups remain the same as before, with most comprising women aged 18-35 and men.

CHP’s main factory is located in the Nilphamari district, specifically in Nilphamari Sadar. The project site will also be in this area.

Due to its continuous growth, existing skill gaps, high customer demands, and its goal of being a socially responsible employer, CHP requires recruitment and training/education solutions. Simultaneously, through its Job Booster concept, Woord en Daad aims to contribute to the sustainable development of employment opportunities in Bangladesh. This is part of its broader mission in the country, which has included emergency relief, primary education, and secondary education over the past four decades. The project seeks to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth, emphasizing responsibility for both employees and employers under decent working conditions.

The types of jobs created include sewing, hand stitching, handloom work, rope twisting (single/beni), drawstring production, weaving, hogla (basket) making, machine braiding, and finishing/burning. The total number of trainees was 1,000 females and 231 males.