Farhad Ameen

In the fifty years since the independence of Bangladesh, novel poverty reduction strategies addressing social and gender inequities have originated in the country. BRAC and Grameen Bank, homegrown nongovernmental organizations, have played outsized roles in promoting equitable human development for millions of people, especially women and children. Their unique innovations, such as microfinance and oral rehydration therapy, have attracted global attention. A descriptive and analytical review of their programs will supplement economics courses and illustrate the relevance of economic theory to human lives. The resulting monograph, geared to college social science courses, and a SUNY-wide lecture series on "Global Models of Poverty Alleviation and Development," will actively engage students and faculty.