ons that negatively affect the ability of young people to access decent work and employment opportunities. 1c:T7c1,

This final evaluation report assesses the project “Addressing Gender-Based Barriers to Young Women’s Economic Empowerment in Bangladesh”, implemented by Save the Children in partnership with Nari Maitree and Breaking the Silence, and funded by Comic Relief. Conducted between October 2022 and October 2024 in Dhaka and Satkhira districts, the project aimed to empower 920 young women aged 17–24 from urban and peri-urban slums by providing vocational and leadership training, fostering entrepreneurship, and challenging discriminatory gender norms. Using a mixed-method approach—quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus group discussions—the evaluation examined outcomes related to income generation, decision-making power, gender equity, and sustainability.

Findings indicate significant progress in economic empowerment and gender equality: 37.3% of participants reported independent financial decision-making, while 91.7% experienced enhanced authority in household and community decisions. Leadership and gender-awareness training exceeded targets, contributing to improved agency and workplace safety. However, challenges such as limited access to finance, family resistance, and geographic dispersion constrained full impact. Urban participants generally achieved better economic outcomes, while rural participants benefited more from community-based interventions.

The project demonstrated strong potential for scalability and sustainability, though extended support and financial mechanisms are critical for long-term success. Key recommendations include increasing seed funding, strengthening market linkages, expanding training trades, and establishing community hubs and alumni networks. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of integrated approaches combining skills development, advocacy, and structural support to overcome gender-based barrier