POWER IN PEOPLE
Two words - but they put together so much! We are talking thousands of children making friends with equal number of sponsors, while ActionAid and partners make the bridge. Together is a key word in this connection, this friendship. Joining hands brings magic.
Women's Rights and Gender Equity
Every woman has the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and fear. We work to ensure safety, voice, and economic freedom for women and girls across Bangladesh.
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Resilience and Climate Justice
Floods, cyclones, and climate shocks destroy lives. We help communities prepare, respond, and rebuild - with dignity and long-term resilience.
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Youth and Just Society
Young people are not just the future - they are powerful agents of change today. We empower youth to lead, advocate, and build a just society.
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Child Sponsorship and Child Rights Programme
Thousands of children making friends with sponsors, while ActionAid and partners make the bridge. Together is a key word in this connection, this friendship. Joining hands brings magic.
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Humanitarian Programme
From rapid emergency response during floods, cyclones, and humanitarian crises to long-term recovery and resilience building, ActionAid works alongside communities to ensure access to food, safe shelter, clean water, and protection services. The programme is particularly active in climate-vulnerable coastal regions and in the Rohingya refugee response in Cox’s Bazar, where it supports women-led initiatives, safe spaces, and essential services.
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Rohingya Response Programme
Our Rohingya Response Programme supports communities affected by displacement. We provide emergency relief, livelihood support, and long-term resilience-building programs.
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CSP VI
Read the reportImpact In Numbers
10,76,958
Total Reach
17,960
Reproductive Health Related Service
12,695
Women Engaged in Diverse Livelihoods Options
476,039
Children Reached
38.0M
Digital media Outreach
101,090
Rohingya Response
Stories Of Change
Impact Stories
From Matchmaker to Change Maker: Shahjahan Sheikh’s Stand against Child Marriage
Shahjahan Sheikh is a local matchmaker living in Chondrakhali village of Rampal Upazila under Bagerhat district. For many years, he has been working as a matchmaker in his community. He prefers this work over other jobs because people respect him for this role and he also earns some money from arranging marriages. Although his income is small, it helps him support his family. In the past, Shahjahan Sheikh arranged marriages without considering the legal age of the bride and groom. That time, he was mainly focused on earning money and did not contemplate the harmful effects of child marriage. He never considered whether the couple was mentally, physically, or socially ready for marriage. By 17th November 2025, Shahjahan Sheikh participated in a Value Clarification Session organised by SHOMBHABANA Project at Rampal Upazila Parishad, which was implemented by JJS. Through this session, he learned about the legal age of marriage, the laws related to child marriage, and the punishments for arranging or supporting child marriage. He also learnt about the negative impacts of early marriage, such as health risks, early pregnancy, domestic violence, school dropout, poverty, and lack of decision-making capacity. After returning home, Shahjahan Sheikh reflected deeply on what he had learned. He recalled many of the marriages he had arranged in the past where the couples were underage. He realised that most of those couples were not living happy married lives. Many young girls were suffering from poor health due to early pregnancy. Some couples were facing domestic violence and family conflicts. Many had to stop their education and were forced to work as day labourers, leading to a life of poverty. Due to lack of education and life skills, they also faced difficulties in managing their families. When he compared these couples with those he had married at a legal and mature age, he found a clear difference. The adult couples were more educated, financially stable, healthier, and living more peaceful family lives. This realisation made him feel deeply sad and guilty about his past actions. He strongly regretted arranging child marriages and promised himself that he would never again arrange any marriage before the legal age. A few days later, Shahjahan Sheikh received an offer to arrange the marriage. At the first Shahjahan check the birth certificate of the girl and found that the age is 17 year 154 days. This time, he immediately refused because the under ages of the girl. He explained to the girl’s guardians the dangers and long-term problems of early marriage. He talked about health risks, early childbirth, loss of education, and family violence. He also informed them about the marriage law and the legal punishment for child marriage. Even though the guardians offered him a large amount of money, Shahjahan Sheikh remained strong in his decision and refused the offer. After listening to his explanation, the guardians understood the risks and finally decided to wait until their daughter reached the legal age for marriage. By preventing this child marriage, Shahjahan Sheikh felt proud and satisfied. He realized that he had done a noble and responsible act. Now, he actively shares his knowledge with friends, neighbors, and other matchmakers in his community. He advises parents not to marry off their daughters early and encourages them to ensure education, safety, and a secure future for their children.
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Impact Stories
Re-excavation of Gate 3 Canal in Badokhali Beel: A Women-Led Citizen Initiative
Kamrunnahar Poli, a CSO Hub member of Bagherhat and leader of the Local Women and Child Development Forum, has set a remarkable example of citizen action. In Bagherhat district, the 3-kilometer canal adjacent to Gate 3 of Badokhali Beel had long been clogged with silt, disrupting the natural flow of water. This blockage caused severe problems for local fish farmers and vegetable growers. During the rainy season, waterlogging damaged crops, while in the dry season, fish ponds and agricultural production suffered. Many families faced financial hardship, and women and children were particularly affected, experiencing challenges in nutrition and education. Recognizing the urgency, Kamrunnahar Poli took the initiative. She consulted the local community to gather opinions and mobilized a collective effort to address the problem. With the support of Bagherhat CSO Hub members, she prepared a formal memorandum and submitted it to the Bagherhat Water Development Board. To amplify public attention, she organized a press conference attended by journalists and media representatives, highlighting the issue and advocating for urgent action. Through persistent advocacy—including regular follow-ups with relevant offices, collecting signatures from affected farmers, and engaging the media—the community’s voice gained traction. The Water Development Board responded by re-excavating the 3-kilometer canal. The impact was immediate: normal water flow was restored to the beel and fish ponds, fish and vegetable production increased, and farmers’ and fishers’ incomes were recovered. Beyond these tangible results, the initiative became a powerful example of women-led citizen action, demonstrating how organized community efforts and sustained advocacy can solve local problems effectively. The re-excavation of Gate 3 canal in Badokhali Beel today stands as a testament to the power of local voices and the transformative role of women’s leadership in fostering resilient, empowered communities.
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Impact Stories
The Power of Citizen Journalism: A Young Content Creator’s Effort in Preserving an Archaeological Heritage
Nestled in the Jatrapur Union of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila lies Kodla Math, an ancient religious and cultural structure. Once a proud symbol of local heritage and history, this nearly century-old monument had long been neglected—abandoned to time, overgrown with shrubs, its walls cracked, bricks collapsing, and steadily vanishing from public memory. Though many locals were aware of its historical and tourism value, no visible action had been taken to preserve or restore it. This began to change through the SUSHIL Project, jointly implemented by ActionAid Bangladesh and led by the Bangladesh Institute of Journalism and Electronic Media (BIJEM). Under this initiative, young people were trained in op-ed writing, podcast production, and, most importantly, in raising local issues to the national spotlight. The training gave rise to a cohort of empowered citizen journalists, who now use facts, images, and videos to boldly present pressing local concerns. One such trained youth was Israfill Sardar, who took it upon himself to highlight the deteriorating condition of Kodla Math. Using only his mobile phone, he captured the current state of the site through video and photos and produced a powerful awareness video, featuring the historical significance of the structure and the urgent need for its preservation. Israfill shared the video on several social media platforms including Praner Bagerhat, the BIJEM training group, and others. The content quickly went viral, drawing attention from hundreds of viewers. People began commenting and sharing the post, collectively demanding restoration from the authorities. This digital momentum reached the local administration, which soon conducted an on-site visit. Shortly afterward, restoration efforts officially began. The conversation around Kodla Math grew stronger—sparking public awareness, a sense of responsibility, and community involvement. Locals who had once remained silent now actively joined efforts to save the monument. Thanks to a single video content, a century-old structure was rescued from the verge of destruction. With restoration underway, Kodla Math now stands as both a preserved historical site and a revitalized tourist attraction, contributing to Bagerhat’s rich cultural identity and growing tourism industry. The entire episode underlines a critical lesson: when given training and opportunity, even an ordinary young person can initiate extraordinary social change. The “Capacity Building of Young Op-ed Writers, Video Content Creators, and Youth Organizers” component of the SUSHIL Project is not merely a training activity, it is a platform for real, effective, and impactful civic engagement. Through this initiative, youth are not only learning how to produce fact-based digital content but also taking ownership of their community’s challenges and stepping up to create change. This collaboration between ActionAid Bangladesh and BIJEM under the SUSHIL Project has sparked an inspiring narrative—one where information, technology, and accountability converge to bring about tangible, positive transformation in society. The revival of Kodla Math is a shining example of what empowered youth can achieve when given the right tools and voice.
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Impact Stories
Ahed Ali: Rising Through Disruption
Sixty year old Ahed Ali, from Marka village in Kaliganj, Satkhira, grew up in a family struggling with poverty. With limited access to education, he left school early to support his father, a day labourer. Despite hardships, he remained active and cheerful, enjoying cricket, football, and kabaddi in his youth. Later, he became a van driver to support his family. In the early 2000s, Ahed faced a life altering incident when he was attacked during a land dispute, leaving him with severe burn injuries. The trauma shook his confidence. “At that time, I felt my whole life had collapsed,” he recalls. Support arrived when the Executive Director of Swadesh, Madhab Chandra Dutta, ensured immediate medical care and legal assistance. Ahed later joined several psychosocial support sessions and lifeskills training offered by Swadesh, helping him regain emotional strength. “Their support slowly brought me back to myself,” he says. When the SBGN Network, supported by ActionAid Bangladesh, was established, Ahed joined through Swadesh. He received training in fish farming and later a financial grant of 10,000 BDT, which became the turning point in rebuilding his livelihood. With this support, he began small-scale fish cultivation in his family pond, gradually expanding it as his confidence and income grew. Today, in 2025, Ahed manages a 3-bigha fish farm, cultivates seasonal vegetables on 20 decimals of land, and earns 30,000–40,000 BDT annually, with hopes of reaching 80,000–100,000 BDT this year. “My life has completely changed. I now stand on my own feet,” he says proudly. He dreams of expanding his fish farm further and feels confident because, as he puts it, “If Swadesh and ActionAid continue to stand beside me, I believe I can achieve even more.” Ahed’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and rising through disruption, transforming adversity into opportunity through sustained community support, capacity building, and his own determination.
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Event
Art for Hope
When a child receives care, guidance and a secure environment for growth, their imagination and potential begin to blossom. Celebrating the journey of growth, we organised a two-day open-to-all art exhibition, "Art for Hope", at Alliance Française de Dhaka on 11-12 March, 2026. The exhibition showcased beautiful and creative paintings and visual artworks made by youngsters. Art has become a meaningful channel through which children share their stories, emotions, dreams, and perspectives. This exhibition is designed as a space where their voices can be seen, felt, and genuinely valued by a wider audience. Alongside exploring their creativity, visitors also had the opportunity to purchase selected paintings, with all proceeds directly contributing to the children’s continued growth and wellbeing. The showcased artworks emerge from two flagship initiatives: Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK), which offers child-friendly spaces that support early learning, confidence, and emotional development, and Happy Home, a residential program that provides safety, education, and life skills support for girls who have previously lived in vulnerable conditions. As an added joy for us, the year 2026 marked the 20th anniversary of our Happy Home initiative. Theme and Focus The central theme of the exhibition is children’s voices and lived realities, as expressed through art. Each artwork reflects personal stories, emotions, aspirations, and observations of the world from a child’s perspective. Collectively, the exhibition highlights creativity as both a form of expression and a pathway to healing and empowerment.
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Event
International Women's Day 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 is observed under the global theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting the transformative power of reciprocity, solidarity, and collective support in advancing women’s rights and leadership. The theme underscores that investing in women’s empowerment through recognition, inclusion, and shared responsibility strengthens societies and fosters a more just and interconnected world. In this context, and following the 13th National Parliament Election of Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) plans to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 by centring women’s political participation, representation, and leadership. The celebration will focus on celebrating women who entered politics, understanding the challenges they faced, and capturing the learning from their journeys to inspire future women leaders. Globally and in Bangladesh, women in politics continue to face discrimination, violence, tokenism, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Yet women persist, navigating resistance, developing learning and strategies through experience, and paving the way for other women to follow. International Women’s Day 2026 serves as a critical moment to amplify this collective resilience and determination. No matter how entrenched sexism may be or how discouraging political environments become, women refuse to retreat. Instead, they rise together, claiming their mandate and advocating for the rights and empowerment of all women and girls. Available secondary data from media reports and election analyses suggest that women’s participation as candidates in Bangladesh’s national parliamentary elections has historically remained low, though a gradual increase is visible over time. In the early national elections following independence, the number of female candidates contesting general seats was minimal and not systematically documented. More consistent data become available from the 1990s onwards. During the 5th and 6th National Parliament Elections in the 1990s, the number of female candidates reportedly remained below 40. In the 7th and 8th National Parliament Elections (2001 and 2008), the number showed a modest rise, fluctuating roughly between 40 and 50 candidates. A decline was observed in the 9th National Parliament Election (2014), when fewer than 30 women reportedly contested general seats. The 10th and 11th National Parliament Elections marked a gradual increase again, with approximately 60–70 female candidates in 2018 and close to 90–100 candidates in the subsequent election cycle. For the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election, media reports indicate that around 109 women have filed nomination papers, suggesting a potential increase compared to previous elections. However, even with this increase, women are expected to constitute only around 4-5 percent of the total candidates, highlighting the persistent under-representation of women in Bangladesh’s electoral politics despite numerical growth over time. Against this backdrop, AAB will organise an event to celebrate women who have entered politics, document the challenges they faced and the learning gained from their journeys, and translate these experiences into inspiration and guidance for future women leaders. Objectives The objective of the event is to recognise and celebrate women political leaders and activists who have challenged patriarchy and social stigma, while reinforcing the importance of women’s leadership in fostering inclusive, democratic, and accountable governance. It also seeks to highlight the challenges, learning, and leadership journeys of women who participated in the 13th National Parliament Election and to use their shared experiences to inspire and encourage other women and girls to engage in politics in the future, in line with the “Give to Gain” ethos. Programme Focus The discussion sessions aim to both celebrate women’s participation in electoral politics and critically explore the historical legacy and current state of women’s engagement in political leadership and national policymaking processes. The session will examine the structural, social, and political factors that continue to constrain women’s political empowerment, while also highlighting enabling conditions, strategies, and success stories that have supported women’s political journeys despite persistent gender inequalities. Importantly, the discussions will create a dedicated platform for women candidates to share their lived experiences, challenges, learning, and aspirations, with the objective of inspiring future women leaders and strengthening collective advocacy for inclusive political participation. The event will include the screening of a series of short audio-visual contents that capture the journeys, experiences, and reflections of women engaged in politics and public leadership. Participants Female MP Nominees of the 13th National Parliament Election, government bodies (MOWCA, policymakers, local government representatives), INGOs, development partners, embassies, civil society organizations (CSOs): Women's rights groups, youth organizations, community leaders; media partners (digital platforms, newspapers, influencers), private sectors and community members.
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Event
11th International Water Conference 2026
Theme: Reimagining Water Governance for Just and Sustainable Futures The 11th International Water Conference took place virtually on January 21 and 22, 2026. This annual event, organised by ActionAid Bangladesh since 2016, served as a vital platform for connecting local realities with global ideas. It reaffirmed that water is not a mere commodity but a fundamental human right. By bringing together a diverse blend of researchers, academics, and international experts, the conference aimed to transition from cultural reflection to action-orientated policy and governance. The proceedings addressed the deepening vulnerabilities of communities dependent on water resources amidst intensifying climate change. Ultimately, the gathering highlighted the core question of justice in ensuring a resilient and shared water future. Under 4 thematic sessions consisting of 15 presentations and discussions by 10 eminent discussants across the world, the gathering moved from concern to commitment by combining community knowledge with science to ensure resilient and sustainable water futures. Day 1: 21 January 2026, Wednesday ⚖️Thematic Session 1: Water Justice and Governance 🚰Thematic Session 2: Urban Water Systems and Water Futures On the first day of the 11th International Water Conference 2026, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed unpacked this year’s theme, introducing four Ps (Pollution, Power, Politics and Profit) and how they overlapped with water management and water governance. The many tangled dimensions of water were laid out through his reflections, which were further enriched by insights from our Country Director Farah Kabir, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan (Quan), Dr. Champa M. Navaratne, Sakib Mahmud, Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Tamazer Ahmed, Muntaha Kadir, Khandaker Ruhama Amin, Dr. Emma Porio, and Anika N Haque. Watch the discussion here: Day 2: 22 January 2026, Thursday 🌍 Thematic Session 3: Climate Crisis and Innovation for Water Justice 🌐 Thematic Session 4: Transboundary Water Accountability and Regional Cooperation Beginning with the welcome speech by our Country Director Farah Kabir, Day 2 primarily covered presentations on Innovations for Water Justice, Marine Water Sustainability, Community Driven Water Cleanup, and Sustainable Engagement. The later session featured topics such as Transboundary River Management between Bangladesh and India, and Riverbank Erosion Dynamics in the Teesta Basin. Moderated by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director, Centre for Alternatives, and Dr. Haseeb Md. Irfanullah, Visiting Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), the sessions were enriched by the presence of Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava, Erad Kawsar, Afia Adiba Hafsa, Mir Munes Ifty, Fayyaz Baqir, Dipak Gyawali, Muhibul Hasan Arnob, Emran Hossain, Dr. Jayanta Basu, Mohammad Abu Sayed, Dr. Zhang Jin, Remy Kinna, Dr. John Dore and Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed. Watch the discussion here: After the insightful sessions, we came to stand together in one understanding. By integrating policy dialogue, cultural reflection and innovative learning, the conference aimed to inspire a paradigm shift: from managing water as a commodity to governing it as a shared right and collective responsibility.The conference concluded with the promise to sit again next year. Till then, our advocacy to establish the reimagined water governance may bring visible success and tangible outcomes on the ground and beyond the seas.
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Campaigns
CHILD RIGHTS WEEK 2025: OUR OATH FOR SAFE CHILDHOOD
On October 21, 2025, ActionAid Bangladesh organised “Our Oath For Safe Childhood” at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Dhaka, as part of Child Rights Week 2025. The event provided a platform for children from across the country to share their perspectives on preventing child marriage and ensuring digital safety. Structured as a Shadow Parliament, children role-played as MPs, journalists, and community representatives, sharing real-life experiences of online risks, cyber harassment, and factors driving child marriage, including poverty, social norms, and climate displacement. Inspirational stories, such as Nodi’s journey, highlighted how friendship, support, and Child Spaces empower children and ensure safe learning. The children collectively presented a six-point manifesto calling for strict enforcement of child marriage laws, access to education, safe school facilities, digital safety education, child-friendly cyber help desks, and broader social protections. Distinguished guests, including officials from ActionAid, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, UNICEF, and BTRC, emphasised the importance of listening to children’s voices in policymaking. The event underscored that children are active partners in building a safer, empowered future, and their recommendations provide a vital roadmap for protecting their rights and well-being.
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Ongoing Events
Feminist Green Action Award 2026
The Feminist Green Action Award was launched in 2025 to promote a green transition in industry and the broader economy that is feminist, inclusive, and gender transformative. This initiative recognises the importance of addressing climate change while challenging structural inequalities, particularly gender-based barriers, within environmental and economic systems. The award aims to highlight and celebrate initiatives that integrate sustainability with feminist principles, ensuring that the transition to a green economy is both environmentally sustainable and socially just. As a champion of climate justice and gender equality, ActionAid Bangladesh promotes green transition approaches that center on the leadership and participation of women, youth, and marginalised groups. The organisation believes that Feminist Green Action is a key pathway to achieving a just and inclusive transition, where environmental sustainability and gender justice go hand in hand. Following the successful launch, ActionAid Bangladesh will organise the Feminist Green Action Award for the second consecutive year in 2026. By recognising and showcasing inspiring initiatives and changemakers, the award aims to encourage wider adoption of gender-responsive and sustainable practices, contributing to a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for Bangladesh. About the Award Enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate leadership in adopting feminist green actions across their operations. The award encourages businesses to include feminist and gender-focused methods in their operations, production, and supply chains, making sure they work towards both environmental sustainability and gender equality. By highlighting such initiatives, the award promotes responsible business practices that empower women, support inclusive workplaces, and contribute to climate-resilient and sustainable economic growth. With Bangladesh already recognized as a global leader in green garment production, this award seeks to further encourage industries and enterprises to adopt sustainable and gender-responsive practices. It aims to inspire businesses to go beyond environmental compliance and embrace feminist principles that ensure equity, participation, and fair opportunities for all. Through recognition and visibility, the Feminist Green Action Award contributes to advancing a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future, while strengthening Bangladesh’s leadership in green and ethical production. ActionAid Bangladesh’s Engagement to green innovation ActionAid Bangladesh engages with young people and women to support green innovation through capacity development, seed funding, boot camps, and mentoring. Over the period, ActionAid Bangladesh has organized several cohorts of youth green entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of their business ideas. The Feminist Green Action Award provides an opportunity for these youth green entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas through a feminist lens, integrating gender equity, environmental sustainability, and social impact. What is green feminist transition Green Feminist Transition refers to a transformative approach that draws inspiration from the idea of Mother Nature and emphasizes the coexistence of economic activities with ecological preservation. The concept promotes responsible use of natural resources and advocates moving away from extractive practices toward a greener, sustainable economy. It integrates environmental sustainability with human rights, gender equity, and inclusive practices, ensuring that development supports both people and the planet. Eligibility and Future Engagement The Feminist Green Action Award recognizes SMEs and private sector businesses of all sizes. In addition, a special category is reserved for participants from ActionAid Bangladesh’s youth-led green business development cohorts. For this year, the award will be delivered in the following three categories: • Corporate Category: 1 awardee • SME Category: 1 awardee • ActionAid Bangladesh Cohort on Green Business: 2 potential youth green entrepreneurs For future engagement, the selected business entities will receive ongoing business development support, including mentorship and guidance from experienced business professionals to strengthen and scale their green initiatives. Award Objectives 1. Recognise and celebrate private sector entities, including youth entrepreneurs, that are demonstrating leadership and innovation in advancing the green transition within their operations and business models. 2. Encourage and motivate businesses to adopt environmentally sustainable policies, processes, and production practices, with a strong emphasis on gender equity, inclusion, and feminist principles. 3. Showcase and promote best practices from the corporate sector through a feminist green transition lens, fostering learning, replication, and wider adoption of sustainable and gender-responsive business approaches. Selection Criteria The business entities and SMEs participating in the award programme will be evaluated and finally selected based on the following criteria: A. Sustainable and gender responsive operations, production, and supply chains, ensuring environmentally responsible practices are integrated across all stages of business activities. B. Environmentally friendly and climate-resilient infrastructure, demonstrating commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting long-term sustainability. C. Innovation that advances sustainability and gender responsiveness, including initiatives that integrate feminist principles, promote inclusion, and address gender disparities. D. Commitment to creating green jobs and building green skills, contributing to decent work opportunities and supporting a just transition for workers and communities. Selection process The nominees will be evaluated by a jury board, composed of experts, sector specialists, and practitioners, who will carefully review all submissions and select the final winners. Award Ceremony The final award ceremony will be held on 24 June 2026.
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
A just energy transition won’t happen without fixing climate finance
Bangladesh stands at an energy crossroads. Nearly 97% of its energy mix depends on fossil fuels, around 70% of which is imported. In a world shaped by geopolitical instability – from war in West Asia to global price shocks – this dependence is no longer merely an energy issue. It is a question of economic security, sovereignty and survival. Recent volatility in the liquefied natural gas market has made this painfully clear. Supply disruptions and price spikes are not abstract risks; they translate directly into fiscal pressure, energy shortages and difficult national trade-offs. But the deeper crisis is not only about reliance on fossil fuels. It is also about dependence on a global financial system that continues to make a just transition harder, not easier. For countries such as Bangladesh, the barrier is not ambition. It is fiscal constraint and unequal access to finance. We are being asked to transition rapidly while managing rising debt, volatile energy markets and shrinking fiscal space. Climate finance intended to support transformation too often arrives in the form of loans, deepening the very vulnerabilities it is supposed to address. As many in the Global South have long argued, responsibility is global, but constraints are national. The problem is not only the scale of finance. It is also its structure. Mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund are evolving, but they still operate within systems shaped by entrenched power and, too often, patriarchal norms. In practice, finance continues to favour large, centralised infrastructure projects, often backed by multilateral lenders and corporate actors. These projects can displace communities, erode local livelihoods and concentrate control over energy systems. Meanwhile, decentralised, community-led renewable solutions – many driven by women and local entrepreneurs – remain marginal and underfunded. The imbalance is stark. Less than 1% of global philanthropic funding supports gender and environmental justice together, while only about 4% of climate-related aid treats gender equality as a core objective. Gender justice, in other words, remains an afterthought. The consequences are not abstract. Women in Bangladesh and across the Global South carry a double burden: they are more exposed to displacement, environmental degradation and climate shocks, while also absorbing the costs through unpaid care work, resource collection and lost income. During climate disasters, these pressures intensify, often alongside heightened risks of gender-based violence. A transition that ignores these realities is not only incomplete. It is unjust. If we are serious about a just energy transition, incremental reform will not be enough. Bangladesh must also begin a serious national conversation about energy sufficiency, not only energy efficiency. First, debt must be addressed directly. Bangladesh and many other low- and middle-income countries are trying to navigate the transition under severe fiscal constraints, now worsened by volatile fossil fuel markets. Debt cancellation and restructuring are not radical demands. They are necessary to unlock investment in renewable energy, social protection and resilience. Climate finance must also be new and additional, not recycled development aid, and it should be delivered primarily through grants rather than loans. Second, accountability must replace voluntary pledges. There is no binding mechanism to hold international actors accountable for continuing to finance fossil fuel expansion, including LNG infrastructure, while simultaneously urging developing countries to decarbonise. Proposals such as a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty point to a possible way forward. By aligning finance with climate goals and setting clear rules for phasing out fossil fuels, such a framework could begin to correct the imbalance between responsibility and capacity. Without accountability, cooperation risks remaining rhetorical. Third, climate finance must be redesigned, not merely expanded. A feminist approach would shift investment towards decentralised, community-led energy systems, support women and young people as entrepreneurs, and recognise the unpaid labour that sustains households and economies. This is not about adding a gender lens after the fact. It is about changing who controls resources and who benefits. Fourth, practical financial instruments must support this shift. Debt-for-climate swaps can reduce fiscal pressure while linking relief to renewable investment. Blended finance and public guarantees can de-risk small-scale energy projects and attract private capital. Regional cooperation can strengthen local value chains and reduce dependence on volatile global fuel markets. At the same time, fairer trade and investment frameworks are needed to support technology transfer and ensure that developing countries are not locked out of renewable supply chains. Finally, transition must be linked to livelihoods and Loss and Damage. Bangladesh is already living with the impacts of climate change – from floods to cyclones – that disrupt communities and economies. Without adequate Loss and Damage finance, countries are forced to balance recovery with transition, often at significant social cost. A just transition must include investment in reskilling, social protection and alternative livelihoods so that workers and communities are not left behind. A just energy transition is not only about replacing fossil fuels with renewables. It is about reshaping power – economic, political and social – and reclaiming energy sovereignty in an increasingly unstable world. It requires a shift from debt to justice, from exclusion to participation, and from voluntary commitments to binding accountability. For Bangladesh, that means prioritising decentralised renewable energy, supporting women-led enterprises and reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel imports. For the international community, it means recognising that climate action cannot succeed within systems that reproduce inequality. Without structural change, we are not financing a just transition. We are financing its delay. Author: Farah Kabir, Country Director, AAB Source:
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Media Coverage
Women sidelined in national politics
Experts regret 4% candidates were female. Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, ActionAid Bangladesh and Prothom Alo jointly organised an event at a city hotel on March 5. At the programme, women who contested the February 12 election shared their experiences. Experts and politicians have raised alarm over the fact that women made up only around four percent of the candidates in the 13th national election. Referring to the seven women who were elected as members of parliament, they said overcoming obstacles to participating and winning in the polls carries special significance for women in politics. To ensure women’s participation in politics and policymaking, coordinated initiatives must be taken, they added. Speakers made these remarks at a dialogue and award ceremony titled “Ensuring Women’s Leadership and Protection in Politics”. “If women are vital as voters, why is their leadership always questioned?” asked Rasheda K Chowdhury, executive director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE). “We are yet to accord women the dignity they deserve. Our nation was founded on equality, yet women are being sidelined,” she added. Rumeen Farhana, who won as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria‑2, delivered a scathing critique of societal double standards. “We are ready to see strong women as daughters or sisters, but not as partners in change,” she said, calling for an end to the “good girl” stereotype that stifles political ambition. Supporting this, Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, the BNP candidate who won from Faridpur‑3, highlighted how marginalised women are denied basic rights, with their vulnerabilities “exploited to confine them within the home”. Tasnim Jara, who contested independently from Dhaka-9, exposed the political machinery that treats women as tokens, not decision-makers. She noted that while women drive grassroots campaigning, “male-dominated structures” systematically block them during the nomination stage. She also critiqued the reserved seat system, arguing it renders women “more accountable to party leadership than to voters.” Leader of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) Sima Dutta said that women are often treated as third-class citizens across sectors, from agriculture to garments. She called for equal pay, legal recognition of women in the informal sector and stronger government action against discriminatory attitudes. The dialogue also highlighted a chilling rise in violence against women. Morium Nessa, Lead for Women’s Rights at ActionAid, presented data showing a 52.3 percent increase in reported rape cases in 2025 compared to 2024. In January 2026 alone, 272 cases of violence against women and girls were reported. Furthermore, the dialogue revealed a massive institutional failure: 39 percent of the country’s universities still lack sexual harassment prevention committees. ActionAid Country Director Farah Kabir hailed the candidates as the “bravest citizens” for navigating hostile conditions. “We do not seek only an increase in numbers. We seek meaningful change. Ensuring women’s safety and dignity remains the greatest challenge,” she said. Meanwhile, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman admitted that civil society and the media could have offered stronger support to independent women candidates. Expressing optimism that women’s participation and visible presence in the next election will increase significantly, he said, “If we all work together in the days ahead, we can play a more effective role in strengthening women’s leadership.” The session concluded with a call for stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, robust cyber-safety measures, and a genuine shift in party cultures to move beyond “lip service” to equality. A highlight of the event was an interactive forum theatre performance titled “Chena Porobash” presented by theatre group Palakar. Through drama, the performance illustrated child marriage, workplace harassment and the challenges faced by women candidates during elections. Among those present were the British High Commission’s Social Development Adviser Tahera Jabeen, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme Bangladesh, Korvi Rakshand, founder of JAAGO Foundation, and Sadaf Saaz of the National Political Rights Forum. Women candidates present included Meghna Alam of Ganodhikar Parishad, Taslima Akter of Ganosamhati Andolon, independent candidate Anwara Islam Rani, Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili of AB Party, and Arifa Akter Baby of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal. Source:
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World water day 2026: Water, Energy and the politics of access
Water is not neutral. It shapes power, prosperity and peace – and in its absence, it exposes the sharpest edges of inequality. On World Water Day 2026, under the theme "Water and Gender", the world must confront a hard truth: the water crisis is no longer only about scarcity. It is about control, energy and justice. More than 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water. At least 115 million rely on contaminated surface sources. Across the global south, women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours every day collecting water – time lost to education, livelihoods and opportunity. In Bangladesh, nearly 40 per cent of the population still lacks reliable access to safe water. These are not just development gaps; they are structural inequalities. A new layer of crisis is now intensifying this reality. Conflicts and instability in West Asia have disrupted global energy markets, driving up fuel costs and straining supply chains. For countries such as Bangladesh, where water systems – from irrigation to groundwater pumping – depend heavily on energy, this is a direct threat. When energy prices rise, water becomes more expensive, less accessible and more unequal. This convergence of water and energy insecurity demands urgency – but also imagination. Bangladesh has already taken an important step through its canal re-excavation drive, restoring rivers and waterways across the country. The effort is often framed in terms of flood control and irrigation, but its potential is far greater. Revived canals can recharge groundwater, reduce urban flooding and strengthen climate resilience. More importantly, they can become the foundation of a decentralised model of water governance. That transformation will only succeed if it centres women. Women are already the primary managers of water at the household level. They understand scarcity, quality and access better than most policymakers ever will. Yet they remain largely excluded from formal decision-making. Embedding women's leadership in canal management committees, water user groups and local governance structures would not only improve outcomes but also advance fairness. It would shift water from being a burden carried by women to a resource governed with them. Bangladesh must also confront its dependence on fossil-fuel-powered water systems. Diesel-driven irrigation and pumping are increasingly unsustainable in a volatile global energy market. Transitioning to solar-powered irrigation, micro-hydropower and other decentralised renewables is no longer optional – it is essential. Evidence from across South Asia shows that women-led renewable energy initiatives can reduce costs, cut emissions and strengthen community resilience at the same time. The timing for action could not be more critical. In the coming months, seasonal northwesterly storms – often accompanied by intense bursts of rainfall – will again trigger flooding and waterlogging, while much of that water is lost as runoff. With the right systems in place, rainfall could become a usable resource. Rainwater harvesting is not a marginal solution; it is an immediate necessity. In the short term, the government should launch a nationwide rainwater harvesting campaign targeting households, schools and urban buildings. Rooftop collection systems, community storage tanks and small-scale reservoirs can be deployed quickly and at relatively low cost. Integrating these systems with canal restoration would create a network capable of capturing and redistributing water more effectively. Urban planning regulations should make rainwater harvesting mandatory in new developments, while incentives can support retrofitting in existing structures. Local governments must be equipped with funding and technical support to deliver these measures – with women playing a central role in design and management. Immediate preparedness for seasonal storms is equally essential. Clearing drainage systems, strengthening early warning mechanisms and supporting community-based response strategies can reduce the human and economic toll of extreme weather. The long-term agenda must go further. Bangladesh needs an integrated water–energy strategy that aligns climate adaptation with sustainable development. This includes scaling up renewables for water systems, reducing reliance on imported fuels and insulating the country from global price shocks. It also requires stronger cooperation over shared river basins to ensure equitable and sustainable management of transboundary waters. Financing matters, too. Too much climate funding still flows into large-scale infrastructure while bypassing local communities. Direct investment in women-led water and renewable energy initiatives can unlock practical, scalable solutions where they are most needed. This is not only about infrastructure; it is about governance. Women must have real decision-making power, supported by access to finance, land rights and technical training. Without this, commitments to gender equality will remain rhetorical. The stakes are high. Water insecurity, left unchecked, will deepen poverty, drive displacement and increase the risk of conflict. Managed equitably, water can instead become a foundation for stability and cooperation. Bangladesh stands at a moment of convergence: canal restoration, seasonal rains and global energy volatility together create an opportunity to rethink how water is governed, shared and sustained. The question is not whether the country can afford to act. It is whether it can afford not to. On this World Water Day, the message is clear: water must be governed not just as a resource, but as a right. And those who have carried its weight for long must now help shape its future – because resilience does not flow from infrastructure alone, but from power shared, leadership redefined and systems rebuilt with justice at their core. Farah Kabir , Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh Source:
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Media Coverage
Actionaid launches 16 days of activism for safe cities
ActionAid Bangladesh has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign, calling for safer cities for women and girls. As part of the global observance, a day-long programme was organised today, Wednesday, at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka under the theme "Safe City, Fearless Women". The programme opened with a live outdoor performance and an installation series entitled "Stories of Courage" in the academy's open courtyard, highlighting women's stories of resilience. This was followed by an indoor theatrical production, "Echoes of Her Life", staged at the Chitrashala Auditorium. The play portrayed real-life experiences of harassment and insecurity faced by women in public transport, public spaces, and service institutions, leaving a strong emotional impact on the audience. Marium Neesa, Lead of the Women's Rights and Gender Equity Team at ActionAid Bangladesh, presented the situation of women's safety in both online and offline spaces in the city. During an interactive discussion between the performances, speakers called for strict enforcement of laws, gender-sensitive urban planning, and improvements in social values to reduce violence against women. They emphasised the need to challenge patriarchal mindsets and integrate awareness into the education curriculum as part of preventive measures. Speakers also reaffirmed commitments to creating women-friendly public spaces and public transport, stressing that swift legal action is essential in responding to complaints of harassment. Referring to findings from ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign research, Country Director, Farah Kabir, said: "Our research shows that in 2021 and 2022, online violence against women stood at 63 per cent. As a result, 42 per cent of women reduced their online presence. In addition, 63 per cent of women move outside with fear or anxiety, and 22 per cent face harassment in public transport. These findings prove that women are not fully safe in either online or offline spaces." She added: "Violence continues because of tolerance and lack of accountability," urging all, regardless of gender, to work together against violence. Professor Tania Haque of the University of Dhaka identified cultural violence and its social acceptance as key factors behind rising incidents. She said urban communities must not remain silent witnesses and must raise their voices against harassment. Dr Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: "Violence will not decrease unless men and boys are engaged as allies through positive transformation. Government and civil society must prioritise preventive action." S M Shafiqur Rahman, Chief Urban Planner of Dhaka North City Corporation, reaffirmed the commitment to gender-sensitive planning to ensure women's safety in urban design. Deputy Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mosammat Farhana Yasmin, urged citizens to report incidents promptly, saying long-term state-level planning, increased recruitment of women police officers, and specialised training are essential to provide effective support for survivors. Speaking at the discussion, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Lead at UNDP, urged the government to strengthen CCTV surveillance in public spaces and increase gender budgeting. "Violence is rising because of a culture of impunity, so incorporating gender sensitivity into the mainstream curriculum is crucial as a preventive measure," she said. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by filmmaker Fakhrul Arefeen Khan; Jasmine Ara, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; government policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, and other distinguished guests. The 16-day campaign is part of ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign. From 25 November to 10 December, various local-level initiatives will be undertaken across cities to help build a sustained movement against violence. Source:
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