Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangladesh (GRDRRIB)

 

 

Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangladesh (GRDRRIB)

Women and Girls Leading Resilient Communities

Project Period: July–November 2026
Working Areas: Dacope and Paikgachha, Khulna
Implementing Organization: ASDDW (Association for Social Development & Distressed Welfare) is implementing the project as a member of a consortium led BY AFAD,

 

About the Project

The Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangladesh (GRDRRIB) project is an initiative of ASDDW to strengthen the leadership, participation and resilience of women and girls living in disaster-prone coastal communities of Khulna. The project promotes gender-responsive disaster risk reduction, embankment protection, community resilience and inclusive local disaster governance.

Why GRDRRIB Matters

Coastal communities in southwestern Bangladesh face recurring cyclones, tidal surges, flooding, waterlogging, river erosion, salinity and embankment damage. These risks have particular impacts on women and girls, including increased household responsibilities, disruption of livelihoods, limited access to safe water and sanitation, displacement and reduced participation in local decision-making. GRDRRIB places women and girls at the centre of disaster preparedness and community resilience. The project recognizes women not only as recipients of support, but as leaders in risk assessment, preparedness, monitoring, advocacy and community action.

Women-Led Embankment Protection Groups

A key component of the project is the formation and strengthening of 20 Community-led Embankment Protection Groups (EPGs), involving around 300 women and girls. The groups provide a platform for women to identify local risks, discuss embankment-related challenges, coordinate preparedness actions and engage with local authorities and other stakeholders.

 

 

Building Leadership and Preparedness

Through community consultations, training and participatory learning, EPG members develop knowledge and skills on:

Disaster Risk Reduction • Gender-responsive preparedness • Embankment protection and responsibilities • Women’s leadership • Local disaster governance • Community resilience

The project also promotes dialogue between women-led groups and Union Parishads, Upazila authorities, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and other stakeholders.

 

Practical Support for Community Preparedness

Selected EPG members receive practical preparedness materials, including raincoats, umbrellas, gumboots, torch lights, life jackets and whistles. These resources help women leaders respond more effectively during emergencies and support vulnerable community members. The project also links resilience with livelihood and household-level recovery where appropriate.

 

Inclusive Disaster Governance and Awareness

GRDRRIB promotes stronger collaboration between women-led community groups and local institutions through dialogue and advocacy. The campaign “Embankments Save Lives – Women Lead the Change” raises public awareness of embankment protection and women’s leadership through courtyard sessions, community campaigns, miking, radio, information materials, videos and impact stories. The project also promotes Gender and Disability Inclusion (GDI) by encouraging disaster planning and response that consider accessibility and the specific needs of vulnerable groups.

 

Expected Results

GRDRRIB aims to contribute to:

 

i. Stronger women-led community resilience
ii. Increased knowledge, confidence and leadership among women and girls
iii. Stronger advocacy and more inclusive local disaster governance

iv. ASDDW builds on its established experience in rural development, disaster preparedness, climate change, women’s empowerment, safe water and community resilience in coastal Khulna.

 

Our Message

“Embankments Save Lives – Women Lead the Change.”