2023 has been dark and grim given the rise in inequalities and injustices as blatant violations were experienced by some more than others.
ActionAid Bangladesh exceeded expectations during an challenging year.
Economic uncertainties, climate variabilities and vulnerability, struggle for equity and justice have been the discernible pattern of our programmatic intervention and policy advocacy. We tackled the intersection of these issues in all our programming on rights and development, campaign, mobilisation as well as in policy advocacy.
2023 marked 40 incredible years of ActionAid in Bangladesh. We took some special initiatives and launched ‘Development Talk’, a podcast; developed audio-visual materials, a webpage and ran a social media campaign.
We received the Bronze Award for the 2023 Annual report at the 13th ICMAB Best Corporate Award under the NGO category.
Emphasising with youth on the importance of safeguarding rights of the rivers the 8th International Water Conference, organised in Sylhet. 200 participants from 6 countries attended the conference. Do take a moment to reflect on the key takeaways from the conference by visiting this link. The 9th International Water Conference, is scheduled for 24-25 January 2024.
National and local events were organised celebrating women in STEM, marking international women's day. 2023 marked the 10th year of the Rana Plaza tragedy. AAB disseminated a study finding, ‘The Rana Plaza Experience: Tragedy to Transformation,’ picked up by national and international media.
3 girls from Happy Home reintegrated with their families, 6 girls completed their secondary school certificate exam, and 9 girls were trained by Asian Paints.
AAB launched the Global Climate Justice Campaign, ‘Fund our Future’ September 2023; organised Youth COP and supported youth delegates to join COP28; supported young innovators through ‘Climate Justice Idea Competition’. Training initiatives like ‘SwapnaJaya’ organised. Youth mobilised around 'youth manifesto', engaging political leaders from different parties.
AAB with grassroot women and youth leaders led the response during cyclone Mocha and floods in Chattogram and Bandarban. For the 6th years of Rohingya exodus, AAB ran an online advocacy campaign. It has continued interventions in collaboration with a wide range of partners in the Camps of Cox's Bazaar. The jury Board of Aga Khan Architecture Award visited the camp in 2023.
AAB secured 750+ coverage, national and international in electronic media. On social media it reached 2.9 million people.
Ibrahim Khalil Al-Zayad was appointed as the new Board Chair of AAIBS. Manzoor Hasan OBE, made immense contributions during his tenure. We thank both of them sound stewardship and guidance.
ActionAid Bangladesh will launch the new CSP VI, in 2024.
I thank all for your commitment and commendable contributions. It is a huge honour to be in the leadership role for this organisation.
