Dr. Mohammad Shamsul Hoque (He / Him)

Dynamic and results-driven, visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in gender equality, labour rights, leadership development, sustainability (ESG), entrepreneurship, and health. Proven track record in managing large-scale, multi-country operations, building strategic public-private partnerships, and leading high-impact programs that drive sustainable development. Expertise in policy advocacy, social dialogue, gender-sensitive strategies, and capacity building. Led a South Asia-wide initiative, adapting programs to local contexts. As Country Coordinator of the Gender Equality and Returns (GEAR) Program with the ILO, I advanced women’s leadership and women’s empowerment in large manufacturing industries, collaborating with international brands, private sectors, governments, and NGOs to address gender-based violence, harassment, and labour standards. Skilled in implementing programs and initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. Currently, I serve as the Country Program Coordinator for the GEAR Program at the International Labour Organization (ILO), with a focus on gender transformation, policy development, and private sector development. Over the course of my career, I have worked with diverse international development organizations, including CARE International, Marie Stopes International, the Asia Foundation, and icddr,b. I have managed and mentored teams of up to 15 direct and indirect reports, delivering impactful programs on gender equality, human rights, labour rights, and sustainable business practices. As part of the global initiatives, I participated in the ILO’s Cotton Harvest Observance in Turkmenistan to develop a roadmap for reducing child and forced labor and improving working conditions. I led capacity development (TOT and Project Cycle Management) with Better Factory Cambodia, piloting the GEAR program in Cambodia’s Garments and Footwear Industry. E-mail: hoquephd@gmail.com; WhatsApp: +8801755521214.