Field Stories

In a world where equality is still a distant goal, Abdulrahman and Habib, two dedicated Lebanese fathers, are championing gender equality and fighting gender-based violence in their communities.

Harun, an 11-year-old Rohingya boy with visual impairments, was struggling at his local learning centre, facing challenges with reading and teasing from peers. With specialised support from Save the Children and the Center for Disability and Development, he is now thriving.

Period poverty remains a significant issue in Lebanon, exacerbated by the deteriorating economic situation, which has led to a drastic increase in the prices of menstrual hygiene products.

Through food security support, AHP partners have assisted men and women farmers in Ethiopia who lost homes and agricultural assets in the Tigray conflict to re-establish their livelihoods.

Inter-gender dialogues in Lebanon are bringing adolescent girls and boys together to discuss the norms underpinning gender inequality, for a more equal future.

Habib was showing signs of developmental delay, worrying his parents. After enrolling him in a Gender Transformative Early Childhood Development Centre, supported through AHP, he is improving his communication and listening skills.

Rokshana's baby twins were struggling to thrive, and their survival was uncertain. Pushing through cultural and social barriers to seek care at a hospital supported by the Australian Government and Save the Children, a mother's determination and access to healthcare has changed the twins' fate.

With the health post in her refugee camp having closed down due to a lack of funds, Nasima started labour with her third child worried about where she could go. Newly expanded health services, supported by AHP and Save the Children, meant she could give birth in safety.

Breastfeeding corners at health clinics and courses on child and infant nutrition are empowering mothers like Asli to enhance their children's health, despite the ongoing impacts of drought in Ethiopia.

Families impacted by drought in Ethiopia are receiving multi-purpose cash grants as part of an integrated livelihood response from Save the Children, supported by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

For 16-year-old Kohinoor, community-based child protection and education mechanisms supported by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response in Bangladesh have empowered her to stand up to her parents and refuse a child marriage.

AHP-funded disaster risk reduction activities in the crowded refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, are supporting livelihoods and reducing the threat of landslides.

After training on home gardening techniques, Madushika is now growing healthy, nutritious food for her young family, and generating income.

Through access to gender-transformative early childhood education in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, children like Ahana are developing holistic social skills and knowledge that will support them for life.

Netsanet was forced to flee Western Tigray with her young daughter due to conflict, leaving behind her successful hair salon. Through the AHP response in Ethiopia, cash assistance is helping women like her get back on their feet.

With support from the Disaster READY program, Anita can now train others on how to identify risks caused by climate change.

“It has really made it easier for someone like me to have a bank account,” Rita said. “It’s also the first time for me to receive cash.” Read how cash and voucher assistance through Disaster READY is transforming the lives of women with disabilities.

For 20-year-old Farzana, who has a vision disability, learning how to grow produce in a home garden with her mother has opened new pathways for acceptance and financial security.

"Together, with the support of our partners and the dedication of our community, we will build a future where Britano shines as a beacon of resilience and progress." Follow Jesse’s journey to become the chair of his community’s Community Disaster & Climate Change Committee.

Girls in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, like 14-year-old Yaesmin are learning to advocate for their rights and protect themselves from GBV and early marriage through the Girls Shine curriculum.

Maryam, Zahra and their families are among hundreds of thousands of people in Ethiopia who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, drought and a lack of food. The AHP response is supporting emergency food rations.

In Papua New Guinea, Disaster READY’s Climate Change Adaptation programs are increasing women’s economic empowerment, tackling food insecurity, and providing and income to support children’s education.

16-year-old Rafiq can now write his name, and is standing up for child rights in his community, after attending a youth club supported through the AHP response in Cox’s Bazar.

Chandana is a farmer, clay brick producer, and carer for his elderly parents. He is also disabled. Through the AHP response in Sri Lanka, he has been able to increase his yield of quality produce, while also changing community attitudes on disabilities.