This WFS will serve 6,500 women and girls from the host community of Sikdarpara village in Haldiapalong union of Ukhiya upazila, said a press release.

Funded by the World Bank, the WFS is a safe space, locally known as “Shanti Khana” where women and girls can socialize, re-build, and strengthen their social networks, and receive social support, information and services relating to women's health and reproductive rights. 

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“Thanks to our generous donor, the World Bank, in collaboration with LGED, UNFPA is scaling up services for women and girls from the host communities, as well as the Rohingya. The place where we are gathered today will be essential to integrate sexual and reproductive health services and to strengthen gender-based violence response services for women and girls at risk.” said Roselidah Raphael, Head of the UNFPA Sub-office in Cox’s Bazar.

The event took place in the WFS compound and was inaugurated by the Project Director of the LGED, the District Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, the Deputy Secretary of the Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC). 

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Representatives from the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), and the NGO’s Mukti Cox’s Bazar and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) also attended the programme.

The United Nations umbrella in Cox’s Bazar also participated in the event, the Intersector Coordination group (ISCG), expressed their appreciation for the opening of the new WFS.

The event included voices from the community, where they shared how GBV prevention, psychosocial support and sexual and reproductive health and rights are crucial for the dignity, safety and resilience of vulnerable communities.

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