As climate realities escalate, the UN finds 60% of youth lack green economy skills. Available green jobs also lean towards male-dominated sectors and will continue to do so. To improve adolescent girls and women’s opportunities in the green economy and other sectors, safe learning spaces where they can develop skills, share experiences and find mentors are critical against the obstacles they face. BRAC’s women-centred settings empower young girls to join community clubs, gain confidence and envision brighter futures.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region of the Philippines, 25 young women are in the final days of vocational training as electricians in the solar lighting sub-sector. They will soon embark on the next phase of their training in social empowerment by local youth leaders and then be paired with local businesses for apprenticeships or supported in starting up their own business. After their technical training, they will undergo social empowerment sessions led by local youth leaders. They will then be matched with businesses for apprenticeships or supported to start their own enterprises. Since female electricians are uncommon in BARMM, these women will help tackle gender biases in the trades. Their skills will also aid increased electrification in the region, including through eco-friendly lighting and solar power.
As we celebrate the 24th International Youth Day and bring attention to Green Skills and the importance of youth in achieving a more sustainable livelihood on our planet, young women in the Philippines exemplify ways to engage youth in this movement. The project implemented by BRAC Philippines not only aims to develop skills of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) but also to bring awareness about climate change and support their engagement in sustainable livelihoods as they face daily experiences with climate change including constraining their economic opportunities.
BRAC’s work with communities has always had a youth focus. Since the early days of its founding in Bangladesh more than 50 years ago, partnership with women and youth and providing opportunities to unlock their potential has been embedded in the DNA of BRAC.
BRAC International’s Youth Empowerment Program applies a holistic approach primarily through a model called Empowerment and Livelihoods for Adolescents (ELA). The project in the Philippines is an adaptation of this model for the context. Skills training has always been part of ELA, recognized as vital for unleashing potential. BRAC understands that with the right opportunities, youth, particularly adolescent girls and young women, can drive positive community change.
Effective skills training at BRAC International targets growth sectors, building young people’s marketable skills for decent work and income. As climate realities escalate, the United Nation (UN) finds 60% of youth lack green economy skills and that available green jobs also lean towards male-dominated sectors and will continue to do so. To improve adolescent girls and young womens’ opportunities in the green economy and other sectors, safe learning spaces where they can develop skills, share experiences and find mentors are critical against the obstacles they face. BRAC’s women-centred settings empower girls to join community clubs, gain confidence and envision brighter futures.
By investing in skill development for youth from socially and economically marginalised communities, BRAC International is unlocking human potential on a transformational scale. It is critical for advancing gender equality and enabling youth to fulfil their aspirations, particularly in emerging economies where the green economy and climate resilient income generation will be necessary. Ultimately, programs focused on targeted skill development can catalyse the next generation of women leaders, changemakers and innovators across the Global South.
Carrie Ellett
Head of Youth Empowerment, BRAC International
