GNDR members, JAGO NARI has long been a leader in community-driven disaster risk reduction and emergency response in Bangladesh’s coastal regions.
Since Cyclone Sidr struck in 2007, JAGO NARI has responded to over 40 major disasters, including Cyclones Mahasen, Amphan, and Roanu, and the COVID-19 pandemic—reaching more than half a million people with life-saving support. Their approach is rooted in local leadership, deep community engagement, and long-term resilience building.
A cornerstone of their work is a network of 3,000 local volunteers. These community members – 300 of whom are trained in disaster basics and 100 in advanced preparedness – are equipped and ready to act swiftly when emergencies hit. From distributing aid to coordinating evacuations, they are the frontline responders in times of crisis.
JAGO NARI has also pioneered anticipatory early action since 2019, helping vulnerable families prepare before disasters strike. Cash support, hygiene kits, food, and water are pre-positioned to reduce harm and support faster recovery – especially for women and children.
Their five key focus areas are: strengthening locally led disaster preparedness; promoting women’s leadership in emergencies; enabling climate-resilient agriculture; scaling anticipatory early actions; and ensuring meaningful community participation in decision-making.
Ongoing efforts include supporting disaster committees and youth groups, repairing critical infrastructure, and building sustainable livelihoods adapted to a changing climate.
To share the human stories behind this work, JAGO NARI has created a short film featuring the voices and experiences of the communities they serve. Watch the film to see how grassroots leadership is transforming disaster resilience in Bangladesh.