SMART project marks International Women’s Day with rallies, discussions across the country
SMART project implementing Partner Organizations of PKSF observed International Women’s Day 2026 through a series of vibrant community events across project areas, highlighting women’s rights, contributions to the economy, and persistent challenges. The celebrations on March 8 aligned with this year’s global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”.
Under the SMART project, sub-projects implemented by various PKSF partners organized colorful processions, rallies, discussion sessions, debate competition, human chain, and quiz competitions for students in different parts of the country. Environment Clubs mobilized micro-entrepreneurs and local community members to take active part in the programs. Participants discussed the significance of Women’s Day, women’s pivotal role in society and the national economy, their entitlements, and the barriers they continue to face. In several locations, the Partner Organizations distributed tree saplings and books among quiz competition winners to promote both knowledge and environmental awareness. The events served to spotlight the SMART project’s deliberate focus on women’s economic empowerment.
SMART’s results framework sets a specific target that 65 percent of supported microenterprises adopting climate-resilient practices and achieving revenue growth should be female-owned. The project also aims for at least 30 percent women’s representation in the management committees of non-revenue-generating common facilities to strengthen female leadership. Additionally, women-led microenterprises receive tailored training — based on professional assessments — in financial literacy, green technologies, and marketing strategies for eco-friendly products. These targeted interventions reflect SMART’s broader commitment to fostering gender-inclusive, climate-resilient microenterprise development across Bangladesh.
