JAGO NARI Recognized for Contributions to Disaster Risk Reduction and Social Development

Patuakhali, Bangladesh – The non-governmental development organization JAGO NARI was honored with an award on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for its extensive work in improving the living standards of coastal communities and reducing disaster risks.

Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan, Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), presented the commemorative award to Hosne Ara Hasi, the Executive Head of JAGO NARI, during a ceremony. The award acknowledges JAGO NARI’s sustained efforts in enhancing the disaster-coping capacity of coastal populations, improving their quality of life, and fostering a safe and resilient society.

The Chenab Times has learned that JAGO NARI has been actively engaged in disaster risk reduction and emergency response in Bangladesh’s coastal regions since 2007, following Cyclone Sidr. The organization has responded to over 40 major disasters, including Cyclones Mahasen, Amphan, and Roanu, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, providing life-saving support to more than half a million people.

Their approach is deeply rooted in local leadership, extensive community engagement, and long-term resilience building. A cornerstone of their work is a robust network of 3,000 local volunteers. Of these, 300 have received basic training in disaster management, and 100 have undergone advanced preparedness training, equipping them to act swiftly during emergencies. These volunteers are the frontline responders, assisting with aid distribution and evacuation coordination.

Since 2019, JAGO NARI has also been a pioneer in anticipatory early action. This initiative helps vulnerable families prepare before disasters strike by pre-positioning resources such as cash support, hygiene kits, food, and water. This proactive approach aims to minimize harm and facilitate faster recovery, with a particular focus on supporting women and children.

JAGO NARI’s five key focus areas include strengthening locally led disaster preparedness, promoting women’s leadership in emergencies, enabling climate-resilient agriculture, scaling up anticipatory early actions, and ensuring meaningful community participation in decision-making processes.

The organization’s work also extends to repairing critical infrastructure, supporting disaster committees and youth groups, and building sustainable livelihoods that are adapted to a changing climate. To highlight the human impact of their efforts, JAGO NARI has produced a short film that features the voices and experiences of the communities they serve, illustrating how grassroots leadership is transforming disaster resilience in Bangladesh.

JAGO NARI’s mission is to promote a just, inclusive, and democratic society where women and girls take the lead in sustainable development. They advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, implementing programs in areas such as Advocacy, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), health, and skill and livelihood development. Their vision is to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls, irrespective of gender, race, religion, or culture, striving for a society where every person enjoys the right to a life with dignity.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the lead UN agency responsible for coordinating disaster risk reduction efforts globally. UNDRR supports countries in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a global agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and losses. The organization works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote risk-informed decision-making and build resilience. UNDRR emphasizes the importance of local action, gender equality, and anticipatory approaches in disaster risk management, aligning with the core principles that guide JAGO NARI’s work.

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