WAYDO (Women Aid & Youth Development Organization) is a youth- and women-led nonprofit organization founded on June 1, 2022, in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. It was established to empower marginalized communities through inclusive, community-driven development. With 35 dynamic women leaders at its core, WAYDO works across five upazilas—Teknaf, Ukhiya, Ramu, Moheshkhali, and Cox’s Bazar Sadar. The organization is officially registered under the Directorate of Youth & Women Affairs (DYD-102) and aligns its programs with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 13).

WAYDO was established in response to the vulnerabilities faced by women, youth, and marginalized groups in Cox’s Bazar, including Dalit communities, indigenous populations, sex workers, transgender persons, and underserved youth. Since inception, it has directly reached 1,000+ individuals and impacted more than 10,000 beneficiaries through awareness, capacity building, and community mobilization. 

Capacity Building & Leadership Development – training youth and women leaders on advocacy, SRHR, gender rights, and community organizing.

Livelihood & Economic Empowerment – vocational training (tailoring, handicrafts, fish processing, digital literacy), microbusiness support, and entrepreneurship promotion.

Education & Awareness – non-formal education, school re-entry support, campaigns against child marriage, and child protection initiatives.

Climate Resilience & WASH – tree planting, climate vulnerability assessments, menstrual hygiene education, and water sanitation programs.

Advocacy & Policy Dialogue – youth summits, public hearings, and policy engagement for social justice.

Protection & Inclusion – psychosocial support, legal aid, and anti-discrimination community groups.

WAYDO’s initiatives prioritize marginalized and vulnerable populations, including:

• NEET youth (18–29 years)
  
  

• Persons with disabilities
  
  

• Dalit communities
  
  

• Indigenous groups
  
  

• Gender-diverse communities (transgender & others)
  
  

• Children (0–18) and adolescents (10–19)
  
  

• Vulnerable women (18+)
  
  

• Sex workers
  
  

• Elderly men and women (50+)

Mission: To create equity and career-oriented, team-based services that mentor the next generation, empowering them to grow into responsible citizens.

Vision: To foster employment opportunities through self-resourced infrastructures and support the Government of Bangladesh in achieving its Vision 2041 Digital Bangladesh Development Plan.

WAYDO’s strategies emphasize:

• Locally led and women-driven initiatives.
  
  

• Youth engagement and entrepreneurship to reduce unemployment.
  
  

• Advocacy for democracy, peace, and human rights.
  
  

• Climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
  
  

• Capacity building through technical training, safeguarding practices, and social inclusion.
  
  

• Strengthening partnerships with local, national, and global networks.

WAYDO encourages collaboration through:

• Volunteering: Opportunities for youth and professionals to engage in training, awareness, and field programs.
  
  

• Partnerships: Collaboration with NGOs, donors, networks, and government bodies to scale impact.
  
  

• Donations & Sponsorships: Supporting grassroots projects in education, climate resilience, and livelihoods.
  
  

• Research & Innovation: Joint initiatives with academic institutions and think-tanks for advocacy and policy change.
  
  

• Capacity Building Programs: Training in leadership, safeguarding, SRHR, and technical skills.