South Asia

Our work in South Asia focuses on the comprehensive improvement of the living conditions of disadvantaged population groups. With the approach of social structure promotion, we support people in organising themselves so that they can exercise their rights and improve their social participation.

With our projects we want to reduce poverty sustainably and improve the nutritional situation permanently by means of innovative organic agriculture. Another focus is on migration and human trafficking. Together with our partner organisations, we work for the rights of migrants and for safe migration.

A man squats in the middle of the picture and points to a map on the floor. In the background, people are sitting and listening.

South AsiaNepal

Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in western Nepal

In western Nepal, floods, landslides, droughts, and other impacts of the climate crisis are destroying livelihoods every year, particularly threatening the existence of families in rural areas. AWO International and the Nepalese non-governmental organization BEE-Group are therefore working to strengthen local disaster preparedness.

The picture shows a group of people walking together and holding demonstration posters.

South AsiaBangladesh

Securing Food, Preventing Disasters

In the Gaibandha district of northern Bangladesh, floods, heatwaves and riverbank erosion pose a constant threat to the livelihoods of many people year after year. Crops are destroyed, homes are damaged and roads become impassable. The consequences are hunger and poverty. That is why, together with our local partner organisation, Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), we are specifically strengthening disaster preparedness and food security on the ground.

The picture shows three people standing in front of a cart and holding two goats with a leash.

South AsiaNepal

Ways out of insecurity

Many people in western Nepal migrate to India in search of work - often without sufficient information about the risks and rights involved. Together with our partner organization NEEDS Nepal, we are committed to strengthening migrants’ rights, creating local opportunities, and protecting people from human trafficking.

South AsiaNepal

Strong communities instead of dangerous paths: opportunities for families in Nepal

In Makwanpur, one of the poorest regions of Nepal, we are working with the local partner organization Women Skill Creation Centre (WoSCC) to empower people. We provide information about safe migration and create new income opportunities - through training, education and practical help for micro-enterprises. This enables families to stay in the area and shape their own future.

The picture shows a woman wearing a headscarf and holding a small boy.

South AsiaBangladesh

Forgotten crises: Supporting the Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh

In August 2017, an outbreak of massive violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state forced the Rohingya, a stateless minority, to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. More than a million Rohingya refugees still live in camps near Cox's Bazar. The effects of climate change are making conditions on the ground even more difficult - this is where our project with local partner GUK comes in.

On the picture one can see a group of woemn looking at the camera

South AsiaNepal

Empowering women and girls in Nepal: Securing Education, Health, and Nutrition

Women and girls in Kapilvastu, Nepal, face significant health challenges. Lack of hygiene and sanitation, unbalanced diets, and inadequate women's health services complicate their daily lives. Together with our partner organization CEAPRED, we are addressing these issues – with sustainable solutions for better nutrition, hygiene, and healthcare.

Auf dem Bild ist eine Gruppe von Frauen zu sehen, die selbst gemalte Bilder in Kamera halten.

South AsiaIndia

Strong girls - strong communities

In the Indian state of West Bengal, AWO International is working with its partner organisation Kolkata Sanved to protect women and girls from human trafficking. Through dance and movement therapy, as well as targeted awareness-raising activities, the project helps survivors process traumatic experiences and empowers vulnerable girls and women to strengthen their autonomy and agency.

South AsiaIndia

Sustainable agriculture for improved food security in India

Climate change, extreme weather events and food insecurity – many families in Odisha, India, are struggling to survive. Together with the Madhyam Foundation, we are supporting them with sustainable farming methods, better water resources and new income opportunities.

The picture shows women sitting in a circle on the floor. There is a bowl of rice in the middle, and some of them are pouring more rice into it.

South AsiaBangladesh

Good harvests instead of climate crisis

Northern Bangladesh is one of the poorest regions in the country. The climate crisis is an additional threat to people's livelihoods. As a result, more and more families are leaving their home villages. This is where our project with our partner organisation Gana Unnayan Kendra comes in. Together, we are creating future prospects for families living on river islands.

3 girls and 2 boys are sitting on the floor talking. The girls are wearing long blue scarves, the boys blue shirts.

South AsiaPakistan

Flood relief and support for Afghan refugees in Pakistan

Many people from Afghanistan seek refuge in Pakistan. The devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022 have further exacerbated the situation. The negative effects of the disaster are still visible. Together with SOLIDAR Suisse, AWO International is supporting those affected by the floods and Afghan refugees with urgently needed relief supplies.

[Translate to Englisch:] Im Rotlichtviertel Bowbazaar unterstützen wir Frauen mit berufsvorbereitenden Trainings (Foto: AWO International/SKHM)

South AsiaIndia

New perspectives for the residents in the red light district of Kolkata

Bowbazaar is one of the oldest and largest red light districts in the metropolis of Kolkata in West Bengal, India. Here we work with our partner organisation South Kolkata Hamari Muskan, SKHM for short. The project aims to reduce gender-based violence and offers women the opportunity to go to a “Safe Space”. In addition, we provide health care and education and show the residents alternative employment opportunities.

South Asia