Despite its global economic relevance in the textile industry, Bangladesh lacks running water, hygiene awareness, organized medical care and a good educational system. Horyzon has been working successfully with the YWCA Bangladesh for 28 years in order to offer several thousand women a perspective here. Various workshops, seminars and microcredit groups lead to a rise in family income above the poverty line and a reduction in maternal and child mortality.
Despite the global economic relevance of the textile industry, poverty, social grievances and health problems are widespread in Bangladesh. There is a lack of running water, hygiene awareness, medical care and a good educational system. According to the World Bank, 78% of Bangladeshi live on less than CHF 3 per day. Two thirds of all children are undernourished or malnourished and 40% of the people have no toilet. In addition, 56% of births take place at home, without the help of obstetricians.
A health and community development program (HCDP) with 750 employees looks after around 75,000 women and their families. Women receive training in health, education, income generation, women's rights and environmental awareness. The HCDP strives for a sustainable livelihood, good health for the beneficiaries and secure women's rights. The beneficiaries should control their own behaviour and improve their social and economic position in society (empowerment).
Regardless of their origin, socially and economically disadvantaged young women are supported in their non-formal education, health promotion and income generation. They learn to read, write, calculate and build up knowledge on topics such as primary health care, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. By living consciously and making effective use of their competences, they promote their social and economic improvement. At the same time, they also improve the quality of their families' lives.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
