Financial inclusion of female garment workers

The Levi Strauss Foundation funded this project to pilot a community-based asset building program among female garment workers in Bangladesh and inform policies promoting greater financial inclusion. The views expressed herein are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Population Council, and the Levi Strauss Foundation. ii The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees. The Levi Strauss Foundation advances the human rights and well-being of underserved people touched by our business by taking courageous risks, supporting innovative community partnerships, and promoting the practice of good corporate citizenship. Established in 1952, the Levi Strauss Foundation is an independent private foundation that is grounded in pioneering legacy and enduring values of Levi Strauss & Co.: originality, integrity, empathy and courage. Through our grant-making around the world, we focus on making a difference on three issues-HIV/AIDS, Asset Building and Workers Rights. We also support programs that advance the fields of philanthropy and human rights. iv v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We are grateful to the Levi Strauss Foundation for funding the Population Council to pilot a community-based asset building program among female garment workers in Bangladesh and inform policies promoting greater financial inclusion. Our sincere gratitude to Mr. Pacific Region, Levi Strauss Foundation, for his constructive and supportive input throughout the project period. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Momtaz and Ms. Piara, two residents of Korail slum for providing us their living space to conduct sessions. We are thankful to Mr. Shunil for the use of space in his care in Korail to conduct sessions. We are immensely grateful to Ms. Morjina of Korail for her time and continued support during the project period. We are thankful to Ms. Shulekha Halder, Principal of Mirpur Free-Primary School, Duaripara, for providing her school place to conduct sessions and to leaders of Duaripara, Ms. Hashi, Mr. Nuruzzaman and Ms. Salma, for their time and continued support during the study. We are immensely …