Supporting Women’s Empowerment, Social Protection and Climate Resilience in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Cox’s Bazar is one of Bangladesh’s regions most exposed to climate change. Cyclones, floods, heavy rainfall, and erosion damage homes, local infrastructure, making life even more difficult for vulnerable communities

At the same time, the protracted Rohingya refugee crisis placing additional pressure on local resources, services and economic opportunities for both refugee and host communities.

Women and girls are particularly affected. Many face barriers to education, employment and leadership opportunities, as well as increased risks of violence, child marriage and social exclusion. Restrictive social norms and unequal power relations often limit their ability to participate in decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Through the NSSS project, Helvetas and its implementing partners work in five Rohingya camps and five host communities in Ukhiya and Teknaf, Cox's Bazar District. The project combines economic empowerment, social protection and climate resilience to support women and girls, as well as other marginalized groups, in building stronger futures for themselves and their communities.

Strengthening livelihoods and economic resilience

Women receive market-oriented skills training, entrepreneurship support, and leadership development. Depending on local opportunities, they learn skills such as sewing, cap making, fishing net production, traditional tribal dress (pinon hadi) making, handicrafts, vegetable cultivation, vermicompost and mushroom production, poultry keeping and goat rearing.

The project also helps women access income-generating opportunities, start or expand small businesses, and connect with local markets. This enables them to contribute to household income and increase their financial independence.

Promoting protection, participation and leadership

The project creates safe spaces and community platforms where women and girls can meet, discuss challenges, raise concerns, and access information and support. Those at risk are connected to available health, legal and psychosocial services.

A key feature of the project is the engagement of Women Lead Change Champions. Selected from local communities, these women act as role models and facilitators, encouraging other women and girls to participate in community life and decision-making.

Through community platforms, women and girls strengthen their leadership, communication and advocacy skills, learn about their rights and available services, and take collective action on issues affecting their communities.

Building climate resilience

The project helps communities better prepare for climate-related risks and disasters. Women, community groups and local actors strengthen their knowledge and skills in climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

Through awareness-raising activities, community platforms and local leadership initiatives, communities identify risks, develop preparedness plans and promote collective action to reduce vulnerabilities. Lead Change Champions and other community actors help spread information on climate and disaster risks, raise awareness of early warning systems and mobilize women and community members to take practical preparedness measures.

By strengthening local capacities and encouraging community participation, the project helps build resilience and enables communities to better cope with future shocks and climate-related challenges.

By strengthening livelihoods, promoting women's leadership, and improving preparedness for climate-related shocks, NSSS supports women and marginalized groups in becoming active agents of change in their communities.

The project contributes to creating communities that are more economically secure, socially inclusive, and better prepared to face future challenges.