Noakhali: The Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) programme was launched today in the disaster-prone coastal district of Noakhali under the Gender Sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction Project. The inauguration ceremony was held at 10:00am at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, with Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam presiding over the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BRAC District Coordinator Md Nuruzzaman delivered the welcome address, and Gender and Inclusion Specialist of the GiHA Project Marjina Khatun presented the project activities through a multimedia presentation. Project stakeholders noted that the initiative is being implemented in 12 coastal districts across the country, including Noakhali.
The Noakhali programme aims to identify and implement inclusive humanitarian action plans for people living in remote coastal and isolated char areas before, during, and after disasters. It places special emphasis on women, men, girls, boys, persons with disabilities, and gender-diverse communities.
Addressing the programme, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam highlighted that Noakhali is one of the country’s most disaster-prone coastal districts, with natural disasters occurring throughout the year. He stressed the critical role local communities play in disaster preparedness and response, noting that while disasters cannot be prevented, effective preparedness can significantly reduce losses.
He added that past data show around 90 percent of disaster-related deaths involve women and children, expressing hope that the GiHA project would play a crucial role in ensuring their safety during emergencies.
Among others, District Civil Surgeon Dr. Mariam Simi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Shantanu Kumar Das, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services Safayet Hossain Talukder, Assistant Professor of Noakhali University of Science and Technology Md Abdul Quader, Deputy Director of the Department of Women’s Affairs Kamrun Nahar, leaders of social organisations, women’s groups, and representatives of various non-governmental development organisations were present at the programme.