News - Empowerment through education
Source: British Red Cross Society - UK
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As one of the
most disaster-prone countries in the world, Bangladesh is regularly ravaged by cyclones and floods. The sad reality is that women and children are the most vulnerable during these disasters because
they lack information about what to do during an emergency.A new project, led by the Bangladesh Red Crescent, funded by the European Commission, and supported by other national societies including the British Red Cross, seeks to empower women by preparing them for disasters
before they happen.EducationThe project organises community meetings where both men and women are encouraged to participate in learning and spreading information on preparing
for disasters. Women volunteers go from house to house educating other women on simple ways they can save their own lives when they hear the cyclone warning sirens. This includes tying back
long hair and changing into a long shirt and trousers, as traditional saris become very heavy when wet.A street drama has also been produced to raise awareness of disasters, as well as posters
depicting what people should do when they hear the sirens.EmpowermentNot only does the Red Cross/Red Crescent project ensure that women get the information they need, but it
also empowers them by encouraging them to take on an important role in the community.Inmaculada Lopez De La Cova Pena, the programme's support manager at the British Red Cross, said it has had
a significant impact: "It has been really amazing watching how the women are now happy to speak out and express their concerns or achievements. Their lives have improved, and that in turn is improving
the lives of communities."Noorjahan Begum (51), a community member, agreed: "It is really good to have female volunteers raise people's awareness. When I was young there were no opportunities
for me to go to school and work as a volunteer as women can today. When I see female volunteers working well and helping other women in the community reduce the vulnerability of women and children, I
think that it is very good for us."Read more about the project.Read about how the British Red Cross prepares people for disasters.Donate to
the British Red Cross.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
