নারী সেবা ও যুব উন্নয়ন সংস্থা
Women and youth development in Cox's Bazar
WAYDO (Women Aid & Youth Development Organization) is a non-profit organisation run by young women. We work on education, health, livelihoods, protection and climate issues with women, girls and young people in Cox's Bazar.
A women-led organisation in Cox's Bazar
WAYDO was started by 35 young women from Cox's Bazar who wanted to lead development in their own communities.
Cox's Bazar faces cyclones, sea-level rise, pressure from hosting Rohingya refugees, drug abuse, trafficking and child marriage. We work with Dalit and Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, sex workers, transgender people, children and young people.
- Led by women and young people; all committee members are women
- Registered with the Department of Youth Development, Government of Bangladesh
- Working towards SDGs 1, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 13
Our programmes
Nine programme areas, from health and education to climate action and disaster response.
Women's Empowerment & Youth Development
Leadership training, skills and support for young women.
Learn more 02SRHR, Health & Menstrual Hygiene
Sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene and nutrition.
Learn more 03Non-Formal & Inclusive Education
Learning support for school dropouts and out-of-school children.
Learn more 04Climate Justice & Environment
Tree planting, climate awareness and adaptation.
Learn more 05Livelihoods & Economic Resilience
Skills training and small business support for women.
Learn more 06Child Protection & GBV Prevention
Child rights, early marriage and gender-based violence.
Learn more 07Gender Inclusion & Social Justice
Services and rights for excluded groups.
Learn more 08Disaster Response & Humanitarian Aid
Emergency relief after cyclones and other disasters.
Learn more 09Advocacy, Research & Policy Dialogue
Policy dialogue and networks at district and national level.
Learn moreAmar Elakay Amar Kaj: “My Area, My Work”
Our signature community-ownership platform. Each upazila of Cox's Bazar forms a volunteer committee of 5 to 9 local women, who plan and lead activities in their own area with WAYDO's support.
- Open to women aged 18 and over, with at least a Class 8 education
- Training, an official ID card, travel support and programme funds
- A path to higher training through our networks and alliances
We envision a society where women and youth can realise their full potential and lead with confidence, dignity and purpose. From the very beginning, our mission has been rooted in equality, justice and sustainable development for those who are often left behind.
WAYDO has become a place where women and young people come together to learn, lead and lift their communities. I am proud of our team and volunteers, who work tirelessly in every corner of our working areas.
Meet our leadershipLatest news
National Coastal Convention 2025
A two-day national convention on the vulnerabilities and rights of Bangladesh's coastal communities, convened by PRAAN in Dhaka.
WAYDO's Chief Executive named a WIN DRR Rising Star Award finalist
Hakimun Nesha Bappy is one of seven finalists across Asia and the Pacific for the 2025 award, organised by UNDRR's regional office.
WAYDO accredited to the GEF Civil Society Organization Network
WAYDO has received its accreditation letter and membership certificate from the Global Environment Facility CSO Network.
Networks we belong to
Message from the founder
We do not just deliver programmes. We nurture hope, amplify voices and build the capacity of communities to lead their own transformation. The people we serve are not just beneficiaries; they are co-creators of change.
Read the message
Support WAYDO
Volunteer, partner with us or make a donation.