Women-Led Community Centers (WLCCs) are safe, inclusive spaces established in the climate-vulnerable coastal areas of Noakhali, Bangladesh, to support women and adolescent girls facing gender-based violence (GBV) and climate-related risks. ActionAid Bangladesh initiated the project in 2023–2024 with funding from UNFPA, these centers deliver integrated, survivor-centered services in line with global standards for GBV response in emergencies.
WLCCs provide essential services including case management, psychosocial support, health and legal referrals and awareness sessions on protection and rights. In parallel, they promote economic empowerment through skills development initiatives such as tailoring, block batik and homestead farming- complemented by startup support to enhance livelihoods and resilience. In Noakhali, WLCCs operate in close coordination with the Department of Social Services (DSS) Rural Mother Centers (RMCs), leveraging government platforms to reach underserved women and strengthen community support systems.
In disaster-prone settings where women face increased risks of violence, displacement and service gaps, WLCCs play a vital role in promoting safety, dignity and recovery. The initiative aims to reach nearly 8,900 women, contributing to gender equality and sustainable development by strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.
Through these centers, women are rebuilding confidence, gaining financial independence and emerging as agents of change within their communities.