Considering the safety and security of coastal women living in disaster-prone areas, JAGO NARI has developed a women-friendly, waterproof protective bag. It is more than just a bag for carrying essential items; it can also serve as a life-saving buoy during emergencies, such as tidal surges.

Under the PROHOR project, and with the support of Start Fund Bangladesh, these innovative protective bags were distributed to 350 women in Taltali Upazila.

The distribution event was attended by the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Mr. Atish Sarkar, as the chief guest. Special guests included Shelina Akter, President of JAGO NARI; Mr. Yunuch Faraji, Chairman of Sonakata Union Parishad; and Hosne Ara Hasi, Executive Head of JAGO NARI.

The objective of this innovation is to keep essential belongings secure for coastal women during disasters, enhance their safety, and provide life-saving support in emergency situations.

Innovation rooted in local realities, protection for coastal women—this is the commitment of JAGO NARI.

//JN NewsRoom/17102026//

Earl R. Miller, former US Ambassador and Senior Strategic Adviser at CARE Bangladesh, visited the field-level activities of the ‘Women Lead in Emergencies’ (WLiE) project on October 8 and 9, 2026. He was accompanied on this visit by representatives from CARE Bangladesh’s Women and Youth Program Unit.

JAGO NARI is implementing this project with technical support from CARE Bangladesh and funding from the French Development Agency (AFD - Agence Française de Développement).

During this two-day visit, he witnessed firsthand how women in coastal regions—despite facing disasters—are making their own decisions, setting priorities, and providing leadership from the front lines. Discussions with the WLiE women’s group, community leaders, and JAGO NARI staff and board members highlighted the realities of further strengthening local women’s leadership.

JAGO NARI extends its sincere gratitude and thanks to Ambassador Earl R. Miller (Retd.) and the CARE Bangladesh team for visiting the field, witnessing the enthusiasm of the women’s group firsthand, and offering their encouragement.

//JN NewsRoom/14102026//

In Mohipur village of Mohipur Union, Kalapara, Patuakhali, farming is never separate from the weather. In a coastal community exposed to cyclones, tidal surges, salinity and heavy rainfall, a sudden change in weather can quickly threaten crops, income and food security. For 35-year-old Monika Rani, who supports her father in farming while caring for her own family, agriculture has always been part of life. But today, she is learning to make farming decisions not only from experience, but also from timely weather information.

This change began when JAGO NARI established the Argo-met Forecast Application for Risk and Resource Management (FARRM) School in Mohipur Union under the Child Centered Anticipatory Action project, with support from Save the Children, technical assistance from RIMES and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office. The FARRM School brought together 25 local farmers to learn how weather information and agricultural advice can support climate resilient farming. Monika became a member of the Yusufpur FARRM School in November 2024.

Since then, Monika has regularly participated in the sessions and learned from agricultural extension officers about crop selection, planting time, cultivation practices, pest and disease management and other ways to reduce climate related risks. She also receives weather information through JAGO NARI’s voice messages via mobile calls, helping her stay informed about rainfall and other weather conditions. In addition, she checks the Bangladesh Agricultural and Meteorological Information System (BAMIS) portal on her mobile phone and uses the information to plan activities in her field.

The knowledge is already producing results. On around 10 decimals of land, Monika grows vegetables for her family’s nutrition and sells the surplus to support household expenses. Following agricultural advice, she planted winter vegetable seeds and achieved full germination. She also cultivated sunflower on 20 decimals of land and earned around BDT 20,000 from its sale. Her connection with agricultural services has also strengthened through the project. With technical guidance and support from the local agricultural office, she has started producing vermicompost, using part of it in her own fields and selling the rest to other farmers.

”We cannot continue farming in the same way we have always done. To remain resilient in changing conditions, we have to change our farming strategies. The FARRM School is helping us learn and apply these strategies. The inputs are useful, but the knowledge and skills we are gaining are our greatest achievement. This learning will stay with us.”

Monika’s experience is also beginning to influence other farmers in her community. She shares the knowledge gained from the FARRM School and encourages others to pay attention to weather information before making farming decisions. For her, the most important change is the confidence to act with better information rather than simply wait for the weather to determine the outcome.

”Earlier, we depended mostly on our own experience. Now we can receive weather information through mobile calls and check BAMIS on our phones, then plan our farming accordingly. I hope FARRM Schools continue in our union and reach more farmers, especially women farmers, so that we can benefit from practical knowledge and modern farming practices.”

Monika’s journey shows how timely climate information can travel from a forecast to a farmer’s mobile phone, and from the phone to the field, helping transform uncertainty into informed action. A better harvest begins not with a seed, but with timely information.

//JN NewsRoom/13102026//

A special three-day training program titled “Advanced Volunteer Training: Rescue, First Aid, and Survival” was successfully concluded at Shubhoshondhya Sea Beach and the adjacent forest in Taltali, Barguna. The training, aimed at enhancing capabilities to handle emergencies, conduct search and rescue operations, and improve life-saving skills in disaster-prone coastal areas, ran from October 9 to October 11, 2026.

Organized under the “Preparedness and Resilience through Organised Humanitarian Outreach and Readiness (PROHOR)” project and implemented by the non-governmental development organization JAGO NARI, the training focused on equipping volunteers with practical skills for disaster preparedness, rapid response, rescue operations, and life-saving actions during crises.

Throughout the three-day program, various activities were conducted to build the volunteers’ capacity to operate in real-life scenarios through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. The curriculum included practical demonstrations of emergency rescue and safe evacuation with the assistance of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, as well as training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), managing choking emergencies, and search and rescue operations.

Additionally, key components of the training covered techniques for rope knots and lashings, constructing temporary shelters and safe tree platforms, ensuring safe water supplies during disasters, survival strategies using local materials, and exercises in raft-making and aquatic survival. These activities served to strengthen the volunteers’ teamwork, leadership, rapid decision-making abilities, and capacity to act responsibly during crisis situations.

Experienced trainers from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Bangladesh Scouts, and disaster response sectors conducted the various sessions. The program provided volunteers with opportunities to gain practical experience through hands-on exercises and group activities.

Day 1 (September 9, 2026): The activities commenced with the arrival of trainees and the pitching of tents. Following ice-breaking activities and an inaugural briefing, the day concluded with a night spent in tents under the stars, offering a unique survival experience.

Day 2 (September 10, 2026): The day began with a beach cleanup drive (”Sandy Steps for a Clean Shore”) and a running session. This was followed by relaxation and meditation sessions based on the Quantum Method. Subsequently, the camp was formally inaugurated.

The opening ceremony was attended by Atish Sarkar, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Taltali, as the chief guest, while Md. Shahidul Islam, Officer-in-Charge, Taltali Police Station and Md. Ziaul Islam, Taltali Range Officer, attended as special guests. Duke Ibn Amin, Director of Resource Mobilization and Communication at JAGO NARI, outlined the program’s objectives and future plans, while Selina Akter, President of JAGO NARI’s Executive Committee, delivered the vote of thanks. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Motiur Rahman, Principal of Barguna Government College and Camp Chief of the Advanced Volunteer Training.

Later in the day, rescue operations and fire-extinguishing drills were conducted with the assistance of the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Additional activities included rope mastery (knot-tying), life skill development, and risk reduction training. A simulation exercise titled “Operation Rescue” was held under the supervision of Army Commandos and Red Sergeants, followed by an entertaining cultural evening.

Day 3 (September 11, 2026): On the final day, activities included raft construction and water safety drills, Quantum meditation, and the creation of temporary tree platforms. Participants also received emergency first aid training covering CPR and choking relief, as well as instruction on survival mastery—focusing on securing safe drinking water and utilizing local materials for survival during disasters. Finally, this vibrant three-day event concluded successfully with a closing ceremony and certificate distribution. Professor Dr. Md. Motiur Rahman, Principal of Barguna Government College and Camp Chief of the ‘Advance Volunteer Training,’ presided over the closing session. Speakers included Hosne Ara Hasi, Chief Executive of JAGO NARI; Md. Abul Bashar, Taltali Upazila Education Officer; and journalist Rafiqul Islam Montu, among others.

The organizers expressed hope that such training would make youth volunteers more skilled and confident in saving lives through disaster risk reduction and rapid response during emergencies.

JAGO NARI believes that skilled volunteers play a crucial role in pre-disaster preparedness, rapid and coordinated response during disasters, and post-disaster humanitarian assistance. Building a prepared, skilled, and responsible volunteer team at the local level is the need of the hour, particularly to tackle the risks of cyclones, storm surges, and other disasters in Bangladesh’s coastal regions. This training represents an effective initiative to enhance such capabilities.

JAGO NARI hopes that by applying the knowledge and skills gained through this training, volunteers will be able to play a more effective role in disaster preparedness, emergency rescue, life-saving efforts, and humanitarian assistance in their respective areas. This, in turn, will contribute positively to enhancing the local community’s disaster resilience and overall capacity to cope with disasters.

//JN NewsRoom/13102026//

The non-governmental development organization JAGO NARI has long been working to improve the living standards of coastal communities and reduce disaster risks. The organization has received an award in recognition of these efforts.

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan, Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), handed over the commemorative award to Hosne Ara Hasi, the Executive Head of JAGO NARI, at a ceremony.

The award honors JAGO NARI’s sustained role in enhancing the disaster-coping capacity of coastal populations, improving their quality of life, and building a safe and resilient society. The organization has long been working with vulnerable communities in coastal areas. In addition to disaster risk reduction, it implements various initiatives to raise public awareness, build capacity, and foster socio-economic development.

Hosne Ara Hasi, Executive Head of JAGO NARI, said, “This recognition will encourage us to further advance our work for the people of the coast. Our efforts to build a disaster-resilient and safe coastal region will continue.”

//JN NewsRoom/13102026//

Non-government development organization JAGO NARI has been carrying out various development activities in coastal areas since 1998, including women empowerment and child rights, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, education, health and nutrition. In the continuation of this, JAGO NARI with support from Oxfam is implementing a project titled Action for Lightning Risk Reduction through Outreach, Resilience, Ownership and Community Networks-ALORON. Under this project, we are going to install Lightning Arresters and Farmer Rest Shelter at the different locations of Barguna Sadar Upazila, Barguna. Please click the below link for detail:

1.    Tender Schedule_ALORON
2.    Annexure 01: Installation of Lightning Arresters
3.    Annexure 02: Farmer Rest Shelter
4.    Annexure 03: Farmer Rest Shelter Drawing.

Women from Barguna submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner outlining eight demands, including the provision of separate safe spaces, safe drinking water, usable toilets, adequate lighting, and security measures in women-friendly cyclone shelters.

Initiated by JAGO NARI’s “Women Lead in Emergencies” (WLiE) project—with support from CARE Bangladesh and funding from AFD (Agence Française de Développement)—the memorandum was presented on behalf of 20 women’s groups.

On September 20, 2026, approximately 240 representatives from the 20 women’s groups—formed under the WLiE project in Chhotobogi, Patharghata Sadar, and Ayla-Patakata unions—presented the memorandum at the Barguna Deputy Commissioner’s office. During the event, members of the women’s groups honored the Deputy Commissioner by presenting a ceremonial scarf and a bouquet of flowers. The groups put forward the following eight demands aimed at ensuring women’s safety, rights, livelihoods, disaster management, and meaningful participation in local decision-making.

The demands are:

1. Safe Cyclone Shelters: Ensuring separate safe spaces, safe drinking water, usable toilets, adequate lighting, and security measures in women-friendly cyclone shelters.

2. Participation in Decision-Making: Ensuring women’s meaningful participation in various committees and decision-making processes at the Union, Upazila, and District levels.

3. Access to Services and Livelihood Opportunities: Ensuring easy, transparent, and non-discriminatory access for women to public and private services, training, allowances, social safety nets, and livelihood-based support.

4. Safe Drinking Water: Taking initiatives to install deep tube wells, Pond Sand Filters (PSF), and other sustainable water supply systems as needed.

5. Safe Connectivity: Ensuring safe movement by repairing and constructing key roads connecting villages, unions, and cyclone shelters.

6. Recognition of Female Fishers: Issuing fisher identity cards to eligible female fishers and bringing them under the ambit of government assistance and livelihood opportunities.

7. Women’s Representation in Local Committees: Including women—particularly marginalized women—in relevant committees, such as Standing Committees and Upazila Disaster Management Committees.

8. Institutional recognition for WLiE women’s groups: Ensuring the continuation of the groups’ activities and taking necessary measures for their institutional recognition and registration.

Members of the women’s groups emphasized that women must be recognized not merely as recipients of aid, but as partners in planning, decision-making, and leadership. They called for necessary initiatives to be undertaken in coordination with relevant government departments and local government institutions to realize these demands.

The memorandum submission ceremony was attended by Barguna Deputy Commissioner Ms. Taslima Akter; Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Animesh Biswas; Barguna Press Club General Secretary Abu Jafar Saleh; former President Advocate Sohel Hafiz; JAGO NARI Executive Director Hosne Ara Hasi; members of the 20 WLiE project women’s groups; and representatives from the media and civil society.

The Deputy Commissioner received the memorandum from the women’s groups and extended her best wishes to the members.

//JN NwesRoom/20092026//

Non-government development organization JAGO NARI has been carrying out various development activities in coastal areas since 1998, including women women’s empowerment and child rights, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, education, health and nutrition. In the continuation of this, JAGO NARI with support from CARE Bangladesh is implementing a project titled Women Lead in Emergencies (WLiE). Under this project, we are going to purchase Disaster Kits (Health & Sanitation) for disaster affected women in Barguna Sadar, Patharghata and Taltali Upazilas of Barguna District. Mentioned that the WLiE Project is funded by Agence Francaise de Development (AFD). Please click the below link for detail:

1.    Tender Schedule : Disaster Kits-Health & Sanitation_21092026
2.    Annexure 01      : Price Quotation Form_21092026
3.    Annexure 02      : Application Form_21092026
4.    Appendix-01      : Statement of Integrity, Eligibility and Environmental and Social Responsibility
5.    Appendix-04      : Security Statement of Commitment.

Non-government development organization JAGO NARI has been carrying out various development activities in coastal areas since 1998, including women empowerment and child rights, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, education, health and nutrition. In the continuation of this, JAGO NARI in collaboration with START NETWORK is implementing a project titled Preparedness and Resilience through Organised Humanitarian Outreach and Readiness – PROHOR. Under this project, we are going to perform Community Infrastructure Development Works at Taltali Upazila and Barguna Sadar Upazila under Barguna District. Please click the below link for detail:

1.  Tender Schedule_PROHOR_14092026

2. Annexure 01: Fishing Dock Price Quotation Form

3. Annexure 02: Fishing Dock Drawing & Design

4. Annexure 03: Billboard Price Quotation Form

5. Annexure 04: Billboard Drawing and Design

6. Annexure 05: Link Road Improvement Price Quotation Form

7. Annexure 06: Link Road Improvement Drawing-Design

8. Annexure 07: Cyclone Shelter Repairing Price Quotation Form

Just one kilometer from the Bay of Bengal, when the sea turns restless and its waves rise with an unfamiliar force, a small heart begins to tremble, searching for an answer: How will I stay safe? For 13-year-old Nadia, the sea is not just part of the landscape. It is a constant presence in her life, carrying both beauty and fear. In Anantapara village of Ward 4, Dhulasar Union, Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali, families have lived for generations with the shadow of cyclones, tidal surges, heavy rainfall and powerful winds. When the sky darkens and the sea becomes unsettled, uncertainty can quietly enter every home. Yet Nadia is learning that fear does not have to be the first response to danger. Sometimes, knowledge can come first. And when knowledge comes first, there is a chance to act.

Before joining the MET Club, Nadia knew that cyclones and severe weather could be dangerous, but she had limited understanding of weather forecasts, early warning, impact-based forecasting and anticipatory action. She did not know how information about rainfall, wind or storm surge could help a family make decisions before a disaster occurred. This began to change when she became the captain of the 14-member MET Club at Char Chapli Islamia Secondary School, established through the Child Centered Anticipatory Action project implemented by JAGO NARI, with overall support from Save the Children, technical assistance from RIMES and financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office.

Through MET Club activities and capacity building training, Nadia learned that early warning is not simply about knowing that a hazard may occur. It is about having enough time and understanding to act before the situation becomes dangerous. She received practical training on rain gauge, wind sock and storm surge alarm, enabling her and other club members to observe local weather conditions and measure rainfall, wind direction and understand storm surge related information. Today, they can use these instruments locally and regularly, turning weather information into something they can observe and understand within their own community.

This practical experience also helped Nadia understand the wider system behind weather information. Through exposure to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), she learned more about how weather is observed, monitored and forecast and how this information contributes to early warnings. The experience strengthened her interest in weather science and helped her see that the information she receives can have a direct connection with the safety of her own family and community. It has even inspired her to dream of becoming a meteorologist.

“Before joining the MET Club, I did not understand how weather information could help us before a disaster. Now I understand that if we know about the danger early, we can take action before it becomes serious. Through the MET Club, we have also learned about cold waves and heavy rainfall, and we have been able to share this information with our family members and neighbors so that they can be more aware and take necessary precautions.”

The knowledge Nadia gains is now travelling beyond the school. She discusses weather information and early warnings with her family, friends and classmates and encourages them to think about what they can do before a cyclone, heavy rainfall or storm surge becomes dangerous. Her role as MET Club Captain has also strengthened her confidence, communication and leadership skills. Her participation in capacity building training in Kuakata, the district level “Young Minds, Stronger Warnings” MET Club inauguration at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, the Learning Review and Reflection Workshop at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and the national launching Programme “MET Club: The Next Way” in Dhaka gave her further opportunities to learn, exchange experiences and represent her school.

For Nadia’s father, this knowledge has a deeper meaning because of where they live. Their home is only about one kilometer from the Bay of Bengal, and memories of past cyclones, including Sidr, remain painful reminders of the vulnerability of coastal families. He believes that access to timely knowledge can change how communities face such moments.

“We live almost beside the sea. Our home is only about one kilometer from the Bay of Bengal. When I remember Sidr, I think about how much we could have done differently if we had known these things earlier. If we had received this kind of training and understood the warnings and what actions to take, perhaps we could have been more aware and better prepared, and could have helped many people around us to take action earlier.”

The MET Club is therefore creating a change that goes beyond one student or one school. Children are learning to connect local weather observations with early warning and anticipatory action, while sharing that knowledge with their families and communities. Through tree plantation, Children’s Day activities, awareness initiatives, exhibitions and other school-based activities, they are also developing a stronger sense of environmental responsibility and leadership.

For Nadia, living at the edge of the sea no longer means simply waiting for the next storm. She is learning to observe, understand and act before the danger arrives.

In a community where the sea is only a short distance away, anticipatory action is creating something more than preparedness. It is creating hope through the possibility of acting in time. The sea is still close. The risks are still real. But now, before the wind rises and the water comes, Nadia knows that knowledge can come first. And when knowledge comes first, there is a chance to act.

//JN NewsRoom/07092026//