Build for Safety: women contributing to climate resilient housing in Bangladesh
AzuKo
Awardee
About
In Dinajpur, Bangladesh, a construction training program led by AzuKo and a local NGO supports impoverished women with a comprehensive strategy. The program contributes to enhancing community resilience to climate-induced disasters by promoting eco-friendly design and locally available materials and strengthening women’s skills in the male dominated building sector. This multifaceted initiative challenges patriarchal norms and persisting gender inequalities by fostering democratic decision-making for women in their communities. AzuKo also supports women’s saving groups through low-interest loans and financial training.
Climate impact
- House strengthening techniques foster resilience to climate disasters, addressing climate injustice.
- Using local, ecological and cost-effective materials to reduce carbon footprint.
- Focus on waste recycling and management facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and public gardens.
Gender impact
- 727 women equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence in designing and building safer homes. 1000 more will be trained until 2025.
- Accessibility to trainings is enhanced by alleviating women’s childcare burden, accommodating training schedules and providing travel support and local language.
- Supports women’s savings groups via access to loans and financial trainings.
Scalability/replicability
- Collaborates with local women’s organizations to expand training and advocacy initiatives.
- Conducts housing needs assessments, pre-and post-training and advocacy initiatives.