Systemic violence, harassment, and institutional neglect continue to limit participation of women in Bangladesh’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, experts shared at a national roundtable in Dhaka on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Participants emphasized that without ensuring safe learning environments, the country’s skills development agenda cannot succeed.
The roundtable, titled “Elimination of Violence and Harassment Against Women in TVET and Skills Development,” brought together policymakers, gender specialists, education leaders, students, and civil society to discuss barriers to women’s participation and opportunities for gender-responsive skill development in Bangladesh.
The event was jointly organized by UN Women, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Dhaka Tribune, in collaboration with the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE).
Moderating the session, senior journalist Esha Aurora highlighted the media’s role in tackling gender-based violence.
She warned that despite rising female enrolment in TVET, harassment and weak complaint systems continue to limit women’s opportunities.
“Without transparency and accountability, progress will remain uneven,” she said.
Md Siddikur Rahman, Program Analyst and Unit Manager for Women’s Economic Empowerment portfolio, UN Women, delivered the keynote presentation in which he outlined the systemic challenges restricting women’s participation in the skills workforce.
Rahman emphasized that Bangladesh’s economic goals, graduating from LDC status by 2026 and reaching developed-country status by 2041, would require closing the gender gaps.
Despite progress, women remain concentrated in low-wage sectors, overwhelmingly in vulnerable jobs, and hold only a small fraction of formal enterprises.
He said female enrolment in TVET must reach 30% by 2030 to meet SDG targets, noting underreported sexual harassment, unsafe hostels, poor campus security, and weak institutional support for survivors.
Rahman stressed, calling for a gender-responsive TVET system built on institutional strengthening with a robust reporting system, gender-sensitive policies, and private sector collaboration.
Jesmin Akhter, Teacher, Nababganj Government Technical School & College, said female enrolment in government institutions stands at around 20%, compared to nearly 40% in private schools.
“Despite better facilities in government institutions, shortages of hostels, remote locations, and poor transport still discourage parents from sending daughters,” she said.
. Tasnia Jahan Ripa, a student of Kishoreganj Government Technical School & College, echoed the need for hostels for female students and improved transportation.
“Girls from distant areas are held back by lack of accommodation. Teachers need regular training on gender, safety, and dialogue with students,” she said.
Jesmin Akhter, Member (Planning & Skills Standard), National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), underscored that NSDA is committed to mainstreaming gender equality in TVET policies and curricula.
“We are ensuring safe, gender-responsive training. NSDA works with partners to boost women’s participation and accountability.”
Nazma Yesmin, Director, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), highlighted weak institutional linkages in TVET curricula especially with the private sector and significant gender knowledge gaps among instructors.
She stressed the need for functional committees in the TVET institutions, grievance mechanisms, and policy-level awareness.
She commended the recent amendment of the Labour Act, ratification of ILO Convention 190, and the 2025 reintroduction of amended Labour Act 2006 as major steps in safeguarding women’s rights.
Morium Nesa, Lead of Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, ActionAid Bangladesh, described violence faced by students in TVET as a structural problem.
“Safe infrastructure alone cannot ensure participation. Social norms, parental support, and gender‑responsive, rights‑based approaches are critical,” she said.
Rowshon Ara, Project Director, Naripokkho, discussed the need for the community engagement, reporting and effective monitoring mechanism to prevent dropouts of female students .
Tania Sharmin, Director, Food Security & Livelihoods/Child Poverty, Save the Children said integrating skills development with broader economic empowerment ensures vulnerable young women receive safe training, mentorship, and market linkages.
Shafia Sami, Project Coordinator, ProGRESS, highlighted strengthening institutional policies, improving gender-sensitive curricula, and creating safer, inclusive environments for girls pursuing non-traditional trades.Arunava Sah, Lead, Livelihood Program, World Vision emphasized employability skills through community-based training, industry partnerships, and continuous safety monitoring.
Dr. Rahena Begum, Coordinator, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, explained their programs focus on safe learning environments, psychosocial support, and community outreach, ensuring marginalized women participate without intimidation or discrimination.
Salma Akhter, Senior Technical Advisor, PROGRESS & InSPIRE, Swisscontact, said to mainstream gender equality in TVET, develop inclusive curricula, and strengthen mentorship programs, to enable safe and sustainable pathways for women in skills development.
Pulok Ranjan Dhor, NCCWE, highlighted advocacy for women-friendly workplaces, safe apprenticeships, and gender-inclusive labour policies as part of the Council’s work in connecting skills development with employment equity.
Engr. Md. Ayub Ali Sarker, Senior Specialist TVET & Skills Development, UCEP Bangladesh, said UCEP prioritizes access to TVET for marginalized young women, combining skills training with safe apprenticeships, mentorship, and industry linkages to ensure sustainable employment opportunities.
UCEP’s Shajadi Sultana noted that bias and stigma continue to push girls out of programs.
“We cannot expect girls to thrive if the DTE representatives reiterated the urgent need for safe apprenticeships, acknowledging the gaps in enforcing anti-harassment policies.
Drawing attention to the recently concluded 16 days of activism Humaira Binte Faruque, Program Support Officer, UN Women, emphasized that eliminating violence in skills development requires collective action.
The roundtable concluded with a commitment from participants to strengthen institutional systems, enforce accountability, and work toward a Bangladesh where every woman can learn, and work free from violence and harassment.
