Who We Are

Women Aid & Youth Development Organization (WAYDO) is a women-led, youth-driven, nonprofit organization established on June 1, 2022, and registered under the Directorate of Youth Development (DYD-102) of Bangladesh. Headquartered in Cox’s Bazar, WAYDO operates across five upazilas—Teknaf, Ukhiya, Ramu, Moheshkhali, and Cox’s Bazar Sadar—empowering marginalized populations through inclusive and community-centered approaches.

Led by 35 dedicated young women board members and 9 experienced executive members, WAYDO promotes human rights, gender equality, climate justice, and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable groups including Dalit communities, Indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, sex workers, transgender individuals, youth, and adolescents.

WAYDO envisions a just, inclusive, and resilient society where every person—regardless of background or identity—can thrive with dignity and equal opportunity.

WAYDO is also a proud accredited member of the Global Environmental Facility Civil Society Organization (GEF-CSO) Network, working toward the achievement of SDGs 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 13.

WAYDO implements impactful programs that blend youth leadership, gender inclusion, and sustainable development. Our initiatives emphasize both community empowerment and policy-level advocacy.

Key Program Areas:

1. Capacity Building & Leadership Development – Trained 150+ youth and women leaders on leadership, SRHR, and advocacy.

2. Livelihood & Economic Empowerment – Provided skill-building in tailoring, fish processing, handicrafts, and digital literacy, creating 80+ women-led enterprises.

3. Education & Awareness Campaigns – Organized 30+ awareness sessions on child rights, early marriage, and gender equality.

4. Climate Resilience & WASH – Conducted tree plantation, climate vulnerability assessments, and menstrual hygiene education in Rohingya camps and host communities.

5. Protection & Inclusion Services – Provided psychosocial and legal aid support for gender-diverse and marginalized communities.

WAYDO’s programs align with national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our key thematic focuses include:

• Non-Formal Education

• Women’s Empowerment & Youth Development

• Environmental Justice & Climate Change Adaptation

• SRHR, Health, and Menstrual Hygiene Management

• Livelihood & Economic Resilience

• Child Protection and GBV Prevention & Legal Support

• Democracy, Peacebuilding, and Civic Engagement

• Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance

• Advocacy, Research & Policy Dialogue

WAYDO is preparing to launch several flagship community campaigns and mega events designed to create sustainable social change:

1. “Green Future Bangladesh” Tree Plantation & Climate Awareness Drive
   – A large-scale coastal afforestation campaign in partnership with local youth and schools.

2. “My Area, My Work” Community Ownership Campaign
   – A signature initiative promoting self-reliant, locally led community development in Cox’s Bazar.

3. Annual “Youth for Equality Summit”
   – Bringing together young leaders, activists, and policymakers to discuss gender, climate, and inclusion.

4. “Voice of Dignity” SRHR and Mental Health Campaign
   – Empowering adolescent girls and women through education, counseling, and advocacy.

5. “Plastic-Free Coastal Zone” Awareness Campaign
   – Youth-led environmental conservation and waste management activities in Teknaf and Ukhiya.