The Provision of Development Support Services to women under the Vulnerable Group Development (VGD)

The vulnerable group development (VGD) programme is the largest social safety net programme of the Government of Bangladesh aims to increasing the earning potential and social empowerment of the most disadvantaged rural women. During a 24 months cycle, wheat/rice is provided to give women a temporary break from the struggle to find food and to allow them to participate in training programs, and attend courses focused on market based income generating activities, provision of savings and credit, and functional education (health, nutrition, literacy, etc). These activities have been successful in improving food security of the households headed by widowed, divorced, separated/abandoned women and women with disabled husbands. It also helps to improve the nutritional status of malnourished women and children.