We all know the impact of natural calamities and how they can wreak havoc on people's lives. However, what's more important is to be well-prepared for such situations. This is where Yasmin Akhter plays a crucial role in Cox's Bazar.
Yasmin Akhter, a 26-year-old community volunteer from UNFPA Bangladesh, was stationed at a Women Friendly Space (WFS) in Nayapara Registered Camp. Despite the recent Cyclone Mocha incident, her duty remained her priority, even above her own family.
"I can't stop natural disasters, but I can create awareness messages for the community and minimize the risk as an aid worker. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity," Yasmin said.
Cyclone Mocha recently caused a lot of damage in the world's largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. Yasmin and her family were among the victims of the cyclone. Despite the risks to her family and home, she tirelessly walked around the community, conducting outreach sessions to inform people about the potential dangers of the cyclone.
Before the disaster struck, Yasmin asked women and girls to take shelter at the UNFPA-funded Women Friendly Space, which was used as an emergency cyclone shelter for them during the cyclone. Her own family also took shelter at "Shanti Khana" (WFS are locally known as ‘Shanti Khana’ meaning ‘the home of peace’ among the Rohingya community people). On the day of the cyclone, Yasmin brought vulnerable women and children to safe spaces who were at risk during the crisis. She provided dignity kits when needed. Unfortunately, the damage also happened at her own shelter. The severe winds of the cyclone blew away the roof and some portions of the house wall, leaving her family at risk.
Yasmin has two younger sisters and a mother back home. She has been the sole earning member of her family since her father's demise. Both her younger sisters go to school, but during the cyclone, all their books and food were drenched. She took her family members to Shanti Khana, where they were given psychological first aid (PFA) services. Her adolescent sister was provided with a dignity kit for emergency purposes, and all of them took shelter there temporarily. The site management team of that camp is working on assessing the affected shelters and repairing them.
Yasmin said, "I am here to support the community, make them aware of the potential threats that women and girls face, and how to prevent them. Once I heard about the cyclone, it was impossible for me to stay home, where I knew I could be saving lives. I am happy to keep my commitment even in the worst situation."
In a world full of uncertainties, taking responsibility for our communities can go a long way toward ensuring their safety and security. Yasmin Akhter's commitment to cyclone preparedness is an excellent example of this. Through her efforts, Yasmin has inspired not only her peers but also future generations to take action towards creating a sustainable and secure future. This is a reminder that we are not just members of our individual families but also part of a wider community that needs our support in times of need.
