South Asia

South Asia is characterised by its great cultural diversity and high population density. Despite economic progress, many people still live in poverty and social inequality remains a significant challenge. The region is also severely affected by natural disasters and the consequences of climate change, which threaten the livelihoods of many people.

Our regional office team in Kathmandu supports projects in Nepal, Bangladesh and India. We are committed to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged population groups, increasing social participation and reducing poverty sustainably. To this end, we empower people to exercise their rights and organise themselves. Another focus is on combating human trafficking and promoting safe migration. We also provide humanitarian aid after natural disasters.

A group of people are standing together holding a poster for the project. They are looking at the camera.

South AsiaNepal

New prospects instead of uncertain migration: empowering women in Nepal

Many families in Nepal depend on labour migration. Women, in particular, are forced to take on insecure jobs abroad due to a lack of opportunities in rural areas. In Dakshinkali near Kathmandu, we are working with our partner organization to strengthen local structures and create new income opportunities – so that people can shape their own future in Nepal.

Zwei Frauen sitzen an einem Tisch und nähen Binden

South AsiaNepal

Empowering women and girls in Nepal

AWO International and CEAPRED are improving women's health in Kapilvastu, Nepal, by providing sustainable solutions for nutrition, hygiene, and preventive care, and by combatting undersupply and health risks for women and girls.

A Nepalese woman carries a child on her back.

South AsiaNepal

Emergency relief following the earthquake in Nepal

On 3 November 2023, an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck several towns in the Jajarkot district in western Nepal. This is one of the poorest and most remote regions in the country, where many residents were already affected by food insecurity prior to the disaster. Together with its local partner organisation BEE-Group, AWO International was quickly on the ground to identify the most urgent needs and provide immediate emergency aid.

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. We work here with our partner organisation, South Kolkata Hamari Muskan (SKHM). Our project aims to reduce gender-based violence, offering women the opportunity to seek refuge in a safe space where their privacy is respected. We also provide healthcare and educational services, as well as showing residents alternative employment opportunities.

The picture shows a group of men acting out a disaster situation in a workshop. One man is lying on the floor and the others are trying to help him.

South AsiaPakistan

Disaster Response and Building Future Resilience in Pakistan

In August 2022, massive floods in Pakistan submerged more than two-thirds of the country. Together with Solidar Suisse and the two Pakistani non-governmental organizations SCF and SAFWCO, we are supporting people in the hardest-hit regions to rebuild their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience to future natural disasters.

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.

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.

South Asia