On 21 July 2026, Participatory Research & Action Network (PRAAN) organized a consultation meeting in Noakhali to share the findings of a social audit on “Women’s Participation, Safety and Social Justice in Noakhali”. The initiative was supported by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and hosted at the Noakhali District Administration Conference Room.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including government officials, local authorities, civil society representatives, citizen groups, and community volunteers.

Distinguished Participants

The consultation was attended by:

• • Dr. Md. Sheikh Sadek, Deputy Director (Deputy Secretary), Local Government
  • Shantanu Kumar Das, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General)
  • Shuva Debnath, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and Human Resource Management)
  • Abu Tayyab Md. Arif Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance)
  • Katharina Konig, Deputy Team Leader, GFA Consulting Group & Nagorikata Programme

Representatives from CPD, PRAAN, district and upazila-level government offices, citizen groups, and community volunteers also joined the discussion.

Key Findings of the Social Audit

The audit, conducted across Noakhali Sadar, Begumganj, Sonaimuri, and Subarnachar, revealed pressing challenges faced by women in the district:

• • 49% of women do not feel safe travelling at night
  • 70% have witnessed harassment on public transport
  • 52% of women have no personal income
  • Nearly 70% of people remain outside online government services
  • 64% of women face health risks during disasters
  • 71% experience sanitation-related challenges

Discussion Highlights

Participants emphasized the need for:

• • Economic independence and sustainable employment opportunities
  • Agro-based industrialisation to strengthen local livelihoods
  • Improved access to public services, especially for underserved communities
  • Stronger attention to climate-vulnerable populations
  • Translating social audit findings into practical action and ensuring community voices inform future development planning

Towards Participatory Development

The consultation reaffirmed that when community voices enter into dialogue with local authorities, development becomes more participatory, accountable, and inclusive. PRAAN remains committed to advancing women’s empowerment, safety, and social justice in Noakhali through collaborative action and evidence-based advocacy.