World Vision Hosting Job Fair in Cox’s Bazar to Empower Young Women

World Vision Bangladesh hosted a specialized job fair on Wednesday at The Swiss Hotel & Resort in Cox’s Bazar, connecting 30 young women with hospitality employers following an intensive three-month hotel management training program.

The initiative aims to build a sustainable model combining vocational training, internships, and direct employment to combat child marriage and foster women's economic independence in the region.

The event provided a platform for trainees to showcase their skills, engage with prospective employers in the hotel and tourism sector, and explore internship and job placements.

Shahanaz Parveen, Coordinator for Child Protection, Education, and Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) at World Vision Bangladesh, moderated the session. Jaganmay Projes Biswas, World Vision Upazila Coordinator, delivered the welcome address.

District Social Services Department Deputy Director Md. Shahnewaz attended as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Md. Moazzem Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development; Subrata Biswas, Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Children Affairs; Md. Abdul Latif Jony, Assistant Director of the Department of Environment; and World Vision representatives Sagar D. Costa and Chhoton Barua.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Md. Shahnewaz emphasized the broader social impact of technical education.

"Skill development is not merely a path to employment; it serves as a catalyst for social progress," Shahnewaz said. "When trained young women earn an income, they strengthen the economic foundation of their families and communities."

Md. Moazzem Hossain noted that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient in today’s job market, emphasizing the need for practical hospitality skills, professional communication, and workplace discipline.

World Vision Child Safety Net Project Manager Sagar D. Costa highlighted that the initiative goes beyond issuing certificates.

"Our goal is to create direct links between training and the workplace," Costa said. "We want these young women to secure internships, enter the workforce, and achieve long-term financial self-reliance."

Upazila Coordinator Chhoton Barua added that Cox’s Bazar’s thriving tourism sector offers strong local demand for trained hospitality staff, allowing local women to find employment close to home.

In addition to core hotel management operations, the three-month course covered practical English, computer literacy, customer service, safety, and professional ethics. Organizer representatives noted that providing tangible economic alternatives is one of the most effective strategies to prevent early marriage among young women.

The event concluded with an official certificate presentation ceremony for the 30 graduates.