WFP, Department of Women Affairs collaborate to enhance inclusive social protection initiatives

The World Food Programme (WFP), the leading United Nations agency combating global hunger, and the Department of Women Affairs (DWA) of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Bangladesh on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), jointly committing to a more inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and shock-responsive social protection programmes by 2026.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the DWA Headquarters in Dhaka by Farida Parveen, Director General of DWA and Dom Scalpelli, Resident Representative and Country Director of WFP, as per UNB reports.

The MoU on supporting the national institutions to strengthen their capacity to design and implement inclusive nutrition- and gender-sensitive and shock-responsive social protection programs by 2026 between the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Department of Women Affairs (DWA) under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh was signed at the DWA in Dhaka on October 26.

Under this MoU, DWA and WFP will work together to review policy and programme designs, with a specific focus on reforming the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP) and Vulnerable Women Benefit Programme as directed in the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) and Second Phase Action Plan (2021-2026). The partnership will enhance the capacity of DWA officials at both national and sub-national levels to identify the right beneficiaries from the community, facilitate timely payment transfers and promote and capitalize on behaviour change learning outcomes. The joint collaboration also aspires to improve the monitoring and reporting system of social protection programmes along with well-established grievance redress mechanisms to ensure the voices of communities are heard and addressed accordingly. 

Additionally, a technical advisory group will be formed for developing technology systems and processes, including technology-based solutions in learning hubs in urban areas, with plans for nationwide expansion.

"This MoU marks a significant step forward in the shared vision of WFP and the Government of Bangladesh in our journey to eliminate food insecurity and improve the population’s nutrition status.  By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of WFP and DWA, we can create lasting, positive changes in the lives of Bangladeshi women and children who have yet to benefit from the country’s remarkable economic growth and development,” said Domenico Scalpelli, Resident Representative and Country Director of WFP.

Farida Parveen, Director General of DWA, echoed this sentiment: "We are thrilled to formalize this partnership with WFP. Together, we will work towards empowering women and children, especially those who are most vulnerable, and building a stronger and more inclusive social protection system."

WFP acknowledges the Australian Aid (DFAT) and the European Union (EU) for promoting Bangladesh's Nutrition Sensitive Social Protection programme. DFAT supported WFP for accomplishments with these two programmes, and the EU is providing budget support to MoWCA for MCBP.

Under the MoU, WFP and DWA will also work together to facilitate evidence generation, efficiency and effectiveness evaluation, and a better understanding of the attitudes of local communities towards nutrition and early childhood development.

The MoU is set to remain in force until December 31, 2026, while the collaboration will be guided by an annual joint work plan aligned with government priorities, funding allocations, and DWA's Annual Performance Appraisal.