Plan International Bangladesh to Work on Removing Social Barriers in Project Implementation

Plan International Bangladesh has been appointed as the Social Norms Specialist Agency (SNSA) for the EARN Project. As part of the agency selection process, 12 organizations submitted Expressions of Interest (EoI). From among these, Plan International was selected through the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) evaluation process, having received the highest combined score. On this occasion, a contract was signed on 16 July between the EARN Project — under the Department of Youth Development — and Plan International, at the project's conference room.

The contract was signed by Plan International Bangladesh Country Director Kabita Bose and EARN Project Director Kazi Mokhlesur Rahman. Senior officials and consultants from both organizations were present at the signing ceremony.

Removing social barriers and creating an enabling environment for beneficiary youth — both young men and women — is critical to the successful implementation of the project. To this end, a special provision has been made under Sub-Component 3.2 of the project's RDPP to engage a Social Norms Specialist Agency (SNSA).

The agency will work to identify and address the social norms and gender-based barriers that hinder women's participation in skills development training and employment in rural communities. Through 2,500 community groups established in each union under the project, the specialist agency will play a strategic role in raising social awareness, driving behavioral change, and fostering positive social attitudes. In addition, the agency will conduct extensive awareness and campaign activities through both traditional and digital media — including television, radio, newspapers, and social media. The agency will also provide guidance on ensuring safe infrastructure in rural areas, establishing 20 childcare centers, and creating appropriate learning environments for women. The agency's overarching goal will be to promote the psychological development of youth, eliminate gender-based discrimination, and build an equitable and inclusive social environment through career counseling. Overall, the SNSA's activities will serve as a catalyst toward achieving the project's ultimate objective — creating employment for 900,000 youth.

The primary objective of the EARN Project is to enhance the skills and create employment opportunities for NEET youth — particularly young women — in rural areas who are disconnected from education and employment. The project aims to develop approximately 900,000 skilled workers in priority sectors by 2030, supporting Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.