Bangladesh is frequently affected by cyclical floods, a situation worsened by climate change. Between September 2023 and March 2024, UNFPA Bangladesh and local partners responded to severe floods in the Chattogram division, specifically in the hilly Bandarban district and the nearby coastal sub-district of Cox’s Bazar.

The floods caused extensive damage, leaving thousands without basic necessities, claiming over 50 lives and affecting 1.2 million people, many of whom lost their livelihoods and faced increased economic vulnerability and displacement. In response, UNFPA launched emergency interventions to provide the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and for risk mitigation and response to gender-based violence (GBV), with a special focus on the needs of flood-affected women and girls.

As part of its response, UNFPA Bangladesh provided unrestricted, unconditional cash assistance to over 4,000 women and transgender individuals, allowing them to purchase dignity items from local markets instead of receiving in-kind dignity kits. This approach marked a global first for UNFPA, supported by timely funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). In line with UNFPA’s Guidelines for Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), the decision to use cash was based on assessments of recipients’ preferences, the availability of items in local markets, access to these markets, and potential risks associated with cash provision.

Consistent with the standard practice for distributing in-kind dignity kits, the cash assistance was integrated into the country office’s broader GBV prevention and response activities. Local women support volunteers played a crucial role in communicating essential information to recipients about GBV and SRH services, women’s safety, referral pathways, and available support options.

By promoting financial autonomy, UNFPA aimed to build resilience and support recovery among flood-affected women and transgender individuals, recognizing the importance of independent decision-making in the aftermath of the floods. Monitoring indicated that the cash assistance allowed recipients to make essential purchases tailored to their personal needs and those of their children and families.

 

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Cash and Voucher Assistance in Asia and the Pacific