Whenever disaster strikes, the fight for survival comes first. Dignity comes later—if it comes at all. For thousands of women in Bangladesh, the aftermath of Cyclone Remel was not just about rebuilding homes but reclaiming their sense of self. Left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, limited medicine, and destroyed household items, they faced an impossible choice: prioritize basic survival or retain a shred of personal dignity. But this time, something was different.

The Patuakhali district, where the 'Cash for Dignity' intervention was implemented, is frequently affected by cyclones, tidal surges, inundation, salinity intrusion, and other natural disasters. The frequency and intensity of these disasters have increased in recent years, and although the people have learned to endure these hardships, they remain trapped in cycles of poverty.

Thus, the “Cash for Dignity” initiative by UNFPA is a transformative program designed to empower women in vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters and economic hardships, especially within the context of high prevalence of gender-based violence and inequity. By providing unconditional cash assistance, the program enables women to address their unique needs with autonomy and dignity.

What Does Dignity Mean to Hajera, Ayesha and Farida?

Dignity is deeply personal, shaped by individual experiences and struggles. For the women who received cash assistance, dignity wasn’t about luxury; it was about choice, control, and self-respect.

Hajera, married at the tender age of 12, lives with her husband and in-laws. She is a cheerful woman who finds joy in her own unique way. The day she received 3,600 taka as part of the Cash for Dignity initiative, she faced a moment of personal upheaval. Her husband suggested investing in livestock, which could provide a steady source of income. However, Hajera made a different choice—she bought a Katan saree. She wanted to wear something beautiful when visiting her daughter’s in-laws for a family wedding.

“This saree is not just clothing; it’s a piece of my dignity,” she said with pride. When she wears the colorful saree she bought, her entire world becomes vibrant and full of color.

Hajera’s husband, a fisherman, usually buys her four sarees a year. However, with their children now married and household expenses consuming most of their income, Hajera often found herself borrowing sarees for family events or visits to relatives. She often felt ashamed and embarrassed. Fishing is their only source of income, and her husband’s trips to the sea can last up to a month. Their farmland yields just one crop annually due to salinity, a situation worsened by recent floods and cyclones. These challenges make fulfilling even a modest dream a luxury.

“For the first time, I had money that I could spend however I wanted. It was mine, and that, to me, is dignity,” Hajera says, her hands gently smoothing over the fabric of her vibrant purple Katan saree with golden motifs. Her saree has become a source of admiration in the village, with neighbors visiting her just to catch a glimpse. It’s hard to imagine how a single saree can symbolize someone’s dream until you witness the emotion on their face.

Then there’s Aysha, an educated woman who had to abandon her master’s studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aysha and her husband, a fish trader, returned to their village when she became pregnant. Financial hardships followed, especially after the flood. Aysha used her cash assistance to pay for her Cesarean delivery and buy clothes for herself and her newborn, easing her family’s burdens.

“I did not want to burden my husband. I never thought I could have money of my own. This Cash for Dignity program helped me make a delivery choice that otherwise I would not have been able to afford,” Aysha shares. For her, dignity meant easing the burden of childbirth.

Farida and her husband are both disabled, and having a baby was one of their greatest dreams. Without financial resources, Farida was unable to seek fertility treatment. Upon receiving the cash assistance from UNFPA, she went to a hospital to initiate treatment. Following successful treatment and follow up,  she is pregnant and a new hope in their lives is on its way.

For many others, dignity meant the ability to prioritize their needs—whether investing in their children’s education, purchasing hygiene products, or simply having the autonomy to decide what was best for them. However, the need for this intervention extends beyond the women who qualified. Aysha’s mother-in-law, for example, did not qualify because she fell outside the reproductive age criteria.

“My mother-in-law is very happy for me and other women. It would have been so good if she and others of her age were included in this programme, as they have medical needs, and this cash would have been useful,” Hajera reflects.

This highlights the targeted nature of the assistance, focusing on women in their most vulnerable years. However, we must also consider the needs of women over 50, especially in disaster-prone areas where healthcare and basic resources remain scarce.

A Life-Changing Initiative

These stories illustrate the transformative power of cash assistance. The amount may not seem significant, but for women like Hajera, Farida, and Aysha, it is life-changing. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the dignity and empowerment that come with the ability to make their own choices.

Masaki Watebe UNFPA Representative a.i. shares, “More than 3,000 women received cash assistance for dignity in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal. This innovative approach goes beyond conventional aid, as evidenced by the powerful and inspiring stories of those it has impacted. Women are empowered to address their unique needs with autonomy and dignity. For many, this was the first time they had a say in what they wanted—prioritizing their choice. ” Watabe further says, “ The value of this initiative extends beyond material support, as it is a vehicle to disseminate key information and link women to sexual and productive health and protection services."

For the resilient women of Pathuakali district, Cash for Dignity is not just about meeting immediate needs—it is about their autonomy , it is about for the first time ever placing their needs first, and breaking free from the fear of deciding for themselves. 

Next time you see Hajera, be sure to stop by and admire her beautiful purple saree.