COL’s Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) project in Bangladesh concluded with a closing event in Dhaka on 18 June 2026, marking the successful completion of the three-year initiative. Implemented by the Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES), the project supported girls from some of Bangladesh’s most marginalised communities across seven regions to return to education, while also strengthening skills development and community engagement.
The closing seminar brought together government officials, NGO leaders, researchers, development partners, parents, and participating women and girls to reflect on the project’s impact and lessons learned.
Speaking at the event, CMES Founder and Chairman Professor Dr Muhammad Ibrahim said the project showed that combining skills training for women and girls with community engagement, including the involvement of men, boys, and government officials, can help create transformative change.
Professor Ishrat Shamim, President of the Centre for Women and Children Studies, said the initiative had inspired communities and demonstrated the importance of investing in girls and engaging all stakeholders to advance gender equality. She highlighted the project’s emphasis on increasing girls’ access to secondary education as one of its most uplifting achievements.
Former government secretary Abdur Rouf described the project as an important model for government and development organisations, while Nagorik Uddyog Executive Director Zakir Hossain said its lessons would help inform future programmes.
Ms Frances Ferreira, Senior Adviser: Women and Girls, COL, commended CMES for its dedication and expressed confidence that the project’s achievements would continue through strong community networks and local partnerships.
“The next step is to build on what the project has already achieved. This means continuing to strengthen community networks, supporting the capacity of local NGOs and community-based organisations, and ensuring that gender equality and climate resilience remain central to education and skills development programmes,” she said.
Participants praised the project’s holistic approach and its positive impact on girls’ education and empowerment. Women and girls shared their personal journeys, describing how the project helped them return to learning, build confidence, and pursue new opportunities. They also expressed appreciation to Global Affairs Canada for its generous support.
#GirlsEducation #GenderEquality #InclusiveEducation #WomenEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment Cmesbd Centre for Women and Children Studies - CWCS Nagorik Uddyog Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada COL4D's Empowering Women & Girls
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The Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) project has entered its final phase, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to improve the lives of women and girls in Bangladesh, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. As part of the project’s close-out activities in Bangladesh, Ms Frances Ferreira, Senior Adviser: Women and Girls, COL, visited project implementation areas in Rajshahi and Damkura to assess progress, meet with community members, and participate in the project’s closing event.
The closing event in Damkura brought together women and girls, representatives from non-governmental organizations, community leaders, school principals, local government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and members of the local media to celebrate the achievements of The Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES) and the local community in advancing women’s empowerment and education. CMES is one of COL’s long-standing partners and has played a key role in the successful implementation of the EWG project in these areas. The event also featured cultural performances, including skits highlighting the prevention of child, early and forced marriage and the promotion of girls’ education. Four girls shared personal testimonies, recounting their journeys toward empowerment and self-reliance.
Speaking at the event, Upazila Executive Officer Mr Ibnul Abedin congratulated COL and CMES on the successful implementation of the project in the Damkura unit. He praised the project’s strong research component and expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue in Bangladesh. Mr Rezaul Karim, Principal of Damkura College and a CMES partner, emphasised the importance of female education, skills training, and empowerment in creating lasting social change.
In her remarks, Ms Ferreira congratulated the community for its commitment and active participation throughout the project. She highlighted the CMES model of Local Support Groups, which was integrated into the EWG project as a key strength.
As the EWG project approaches the conclusion of its current phase, its achievements stand as a testament to the power of community engagement, education and targeted support in creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
#WomensEmpowerment #GirlsEducation #CommunityEngagement #SocialImpact Cmesbd COL4D's Empowering Women & Girls Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada
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Strong education systems depend not only on good policies, but on the teachers who bring them to life.
In Belize and Jamaica, COL is helping STEAM teachers translate policy into classroom practice by strengthening communities of practice, fostering networked professional leadership and building capacity in digital approaches to teaching and learning. Through the STEAM Teachers Initiative, more than 230 teachers in Belize and 640 in Jamaica engaged in collaborative professional learning to strengthen technology-supported teaching across primary, secondary and post-secondary education.
Read the full story: www.col.org/news/building-steam-capacity-in-belize-and-jamaica-driving-digital-transformation-thr...
#STEAM #digitallearning #TeacherDevelopment #EducationTransformation Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology Jamaica Teaching Council Page
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