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 of the Bangladesh Government, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), jointly committing to a more inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and shock-responsive social protection programmes by 2026.
On behalf of their respective sides, Farida Parveen, Director General of DWA, and Dom Scalpelli, Resident Representative and Country Director of WFP, signed the MoU at the DWA Headquarters in Dhaka, a WFA press release said.
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 capitalise 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 echoed this sentiment, saying: "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.
