Bangladesh: Help communities reduce the impact of natural disasters

Runa Khatun lives with her family on a remote river island in Sirajgonj district. They have no land and her husband works as a labourer. Runa had learned weaving from her mother, but because of social norms was unable to make the most of her skills. However, Oxfam recognised that weaving was a way in which villagers could earn an income. So Runa became a trainer, teaching 60 other women to make hats.

"I am so happy that we have had the support to establish our business and find a market for our hats. I enjoy training other women and my status has really improved."

Bangladesh has always been prone to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones and droughts. And it's the poorest communities who are forced to live in the hardest hit areas. As extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, people's lives are getting even more difficult. Homes and crops are washed away by rising rivers, while wells and farmland on the coast are ruined by saltwater contamination. 

Your donation can help ensure that these communities are better prepared for potential emergencies and have the incomes and political influence to build a safer and more secure future.

Donate to this project 

Project aims

• Give communities the ability to better protect themselves, their homes and assets from natural disasters, and provide water and sanitation services to prevent the spread of disease during emergencies.
• Help the poorest people - often women - to develop livelihoods that are less affected by extreme weather, and empower them to take on more influential roles within their communities.
• Support communities to understand their rights and lobby the government for more support. 

How far does your money go?

• With £62.50 we could equip an individual with essential search and rescue skills
• £77.40 could provide one tube well, to provide a community with clean water.
• £165 could pay for one homestead to be raised and protected from floodwater.