Across Asia and the Pacific, a new generation of women leaders is redefining disaster risk reduction (DRR) with innovative ideas, resilience, and compassion. Among them, Hakimun Nesha Bappy from Bangladesh has been named one of the seven finalists for the Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Rising Star Award 2025, organized by UNDRR’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Bappy’s selection recognizes her outstanding humanitarian leadership in Cox’s Bazar, one of the world’s most disaster-prone and crisis-affected regions. Her ability to bridge grassroots realities with institutional coordination has significantly strengthened disaster preparedness and community protection among both Rohingya refugees and host communities.

For more than six years, Bappy has been on the frontlines of humanitarian response — supporting gender-based violence prevention, child protection, and mental health promotion through organizations such as Terre des Hommes, IOM, and UNHCR partners. Her inclusive approach empowers women and youth to take ownership of local disaster preparedness and resilience-building initiatives. As the Chief Executive and President of the Management Committee at the Women Aid & Youth Development Organization (WAYDO) — a women- and youth-led civil society organization — Bappy has championed gender-responsive disaster governance. Under her leadership, WAYDO has become a platform advancing gender-inclusive DRR policies and practices in coastal and refugee-affected areas of Bangladesh. During Cyclone Mocha in 2023, Bappy led a local rapid-response initiative under WAYDO’s emergency wing, mobilizing volunteers within 48 hours to distribute essential non-food items, share life-saving information, and provide psychosocial support — reaching over 500 affected families in Teknaf and Ukhiya.

Her innovative use of participatory planning and community-based awareness programs on safeguarding, child protection, and gender-based violence has helped build trust, expand women’s participation, and foster stronger community accountability. The WIN DRR Rising Star Award celebrates women who are making exceptional contributions to disaster risk reduction early in their careers, inspiring others to create safer, more resilient communities. Bappy’s recognition as a 2025 finalist underscores Bangladesh’s growing leadership in advancing inclusive, community-driven disaster resilience.

“This recognition is not just mine — it belongs to every woman and young leader in Cox’s Bazar who continues to rise and rebuild stronger after every storm,” said Bappy in a recent reflection shared through WAYDO.