On 23 September 2026, the GiHA (Gender in Humanitarian Action) Noakhali Local Chapter held its Third Quarterly Meeting at FPAB, Noakhali. More than 25 chapter representatives, GiHA members and partner organisations took part.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Kamrun Naher, Deputy Director, Department of Women Affairs, Noakhali.
Mr. Abdul Latif Khan, Project Lead of the GRDRRiB project, spoke about why local GiHA chapters matter, how to put the annual work plan into action, and how to use local resources.
“It is extremely difficult to combat disasters without early preparation. Disasters like this visit Noakhali frequently,” he said, as a deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal.
He highlighted women’s leadership, coordination and networking as keys to resilience.
Members who recently completed the Training on Gender Responsive & Inclusive Humanitarian Action said it gave them a clear picture of what to do before, during and after a disaster.
Mrs. Umme Salma Poppy, Co-Chair of the GiHA Noakhali Local Chapter, welcomed the collective commitment of members:
“We are all here for a common purpose, and we are privileged to have this opportunity to gather and learn together.”
She drew attention to recent statistics on rape, and on missing children who were later found dead, describing the overall situation as alarming. Citing PRAAN Chairperson Mr. Gawher Nayeem Wahra, she highlighted suicide as a pressing national concern, noting that suicides rise sharply after public examination results are published and that most of those affected are girls, making it a gender issue as well. With the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) results expected in November, she urged GiHA members to remain alert and to raise awareness on suicide prevention in their communities.
She concluded that disasters are not only natural: poverty, social unrest and rising suicide rates are also disasters, and each must be understood and addressed through a gender lens.
Next steps agreed:
- 🔹 Form a chapter assessment team and seek further training
- 🔹 Conduct shelter assessments using BRAC’s format
- 🔹 Raise community awareness on suicide prevention before the HSC results
- 🔹 Continue implementing the GiHA Annual Work Plan
BRAC District Coordinator Mr. Nurujjaman and District Manager Mr. Atiar Rahman also joined the meeting.
Since 22 December 2025, PRAAN has led the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Noakhali Local Chapter, an important milestone in advancing inclusive and gender-responsive humanitarian action in Noakhali. The GiHA network focuses on addressing the distinct needs, capacities and roles of women, men, girls and boys throughout emergency preparedness and response.
