Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) is a gender based social security project targeting ultra-poor rural women who are widowed, divorced, abandoned, or left with a disabled husband. The project aims to uplift these women out of extreme poverty through productive and sustainable livelihoods. Under the auspices of National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) of Bangladesh government, SWAPNO is implemented jointly by Local Government Division and UNDP since 2015. SWAPNO’s intervention follows a ‘state of the art’ graduation model that encompasses livelihood promotion, financial inclusion, social protection, and social empowerment. The women are employed for a specific tenure under public works. Simultaneously, training is provided to improve self-confidence, leadership, financial literacy, basic numeracy, savings, and spending. This process is followed by livelihood training based on their interests and local market opportunities to begin micro-enterprises or find formal employment. After completing their employment tenure, they can access funds to invest in their enterprises.

Interventions

Climate Adaptive Public Works

Swapno's Public Asset Maintenance Programme Has Successfully Maintained 14,000+ Critical Public Assets Which Have Benefitted The Local Communities Of 223 Unions Of 5 Districts.

Pooled Savings

Swapno’s Group Savings Mechanism Rosca Has Facilitated Beneficiaries Form 600+ Roscas Through Which They Have Generated Around Usd 1.8 Million.

Life Skills Training

Swapno Has Provided Life Skills Training To 12000+ Ultra-poor Rural Women To Enhance Their Confidence, Courage, And Communication Skills.

Livelihood Skills Development

Swapno’s ‘future Employability’ Notion Has Facilitated 12,000+ Beneficiaries To Become Skilled In Both Formal And Informal Livelihood Opportunities

Impacts and Results

Services Delivered

14567

Community Assets Maintained

Visits Saved

588

Beneficiaries secured jobs in RMG and Leather sectors

Work Days Saved

669

ROSCAs Formed

Saved by Citizen

205844

Support packages distributed during COVID-19

Services Delivered

Best CSR Award

For Financial Inclusion model

Visits Saved

1620

Beneficiaries under Micro-health insurance coverage

Work Days Saved

BDT 108 crore

Disbursed as wage payment

Saved by Citizen

96%

Correct beneficiary targeting

Reports, News & Stories

Annual Progress Report 2022

The Report shows the results of planned interventions for the 3rd (SWAPNO-II) cycle.

UNDP-Embassy of Sweden Agreement signing ceremony for SWAPNO II

The Embassy of Sweden and the UNDP will work together with the GoB to create economic opportunities

SWAPNO Endline Survey (3rd Cycle)

This survey compares the welfare status of the project beneficiaries over time with the non beneficiaries

An Inspiring Story of Saleha

Burdened with a disabled husband and two children, Saleha’s life had always been in despair. Being the sole breadwinner, she could hardly meet her family’s needs. But

Wind of Change

Champa Begum, originating from Kurigram’s Gopalpur, a successful tea stall owner and a mother of two daughters, tells a very different story when she talks of her past...

Combating digital fraudulence

Eight months back, Momota Begum went to a local MFS agent to encash her savings after fifteen months of employment at the SWAPNO project....

Geographical Coverage

Interactive Map

Donors and Partners

SWAPNO's Contribution on SDG Goals