Where there is a woman, there is magic!

On a narrow, winding path in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar, a red three-wheeler moves swiftly between shelters. At the wheel is Arefa — focused, steady, ready.

Just a few years ago, few would have imagined a woman driving an emergency vehicle through the densely populated camps. Today, Arefa, Tahera, and Razia are doing exactly that — protecting their community and changing mindsets.

On 22 March 2021, a devastating fire tore through Camp 9, exposing dangerous gaps in emergency response in the world’s largest refugee settlement. Narrow, uneven roads prevented large firefighting trucks from reaching families in time. In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), working closely with partners, introduced Mobile Fire Fighting Units (MFFUs) — portable firefighting equipment mounted on carry frames, wheely frames, and small three-wheelers known locally as tuk-tuks.

Designed specifically for camp conditions, these vehicles carry water tanks and equipment capable of navigating tight pathways where traditional fire engines cannot pass. But equipment alone is not enough. People make the difference.

To strengthen local capacity and sustainability, 15 Rohingya volunteers from each camp were trained to operate the MFFUs. Among them were three women who chose to step forward into roles rarely occupied by women in their community.

In the past, emergency response and driving roles were largely seen as men’s work. But when the call for volunteers came, Arefa, Tahera, and Razia did not hesitate.

“In the face of adversity, we find strength and courage,” Arefa says. “If there is a fire, we can take the lead and protect our community.”

For Tahera, the opportunity was transformative. “We always wanted to learn, but opportunities were rare before. Now I feel proud — I drive for my community.”

Their work is urgent and essential. The camps sit on hilly terrain, vulnerable to monsoon rains and cyclones. Shelters stand side by side, built from bamboo and tarpaulin — where even a small spark can become a catastrophe in seconds. Fires do not discriminate. Neither should opportunity.

Each IOM-supported camp has 100 Disaster Management Unit (DMU) volunteers, with a goal of 50 per cent female participation. Volunteers are trained in early warning systems, first aid, fire awareness, emergency response, and the operation of firefighting equipment. Women DMU volunteers go door to door, sharing life-saving information about cyclone safety, monsoon preparedness, and fire prevention.

And now, women are not only sharing skills, but they are also driving emergency vehicles through the camps’ most difficult terrain.

Their presence behind the wheel does more than deliver water tanks and equipment. It challenges deeply rooted norms. It tells young girls that leadership is not defined by gender. It proves that courage belongs to everyone.

As one community member shared: “If other communities can have women pilots, why not ours? Women’s action makes us stronger.”

Within the DMUx, women and men work side by side, united by a shared responsibility: protecting lives. At the sound of a town crier, the tuk-tuk engines start, weaving through narrow lanes, ready to fight fire. 

The DMU and MFFU networks have been formed and managed by IOM Bangladesh’s Site Management Team in IOM Area of Responsibility, with the support of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Government of Japan and the World Bank. 

This International Women’s Day, the theme of “Rights. Justice. Action.” comes alive in the camps of Cox’s Bazar.

Rights — the right to equal opportunity and participation.
Justice — the breaking of barriers that limit potential.
Action — stepping forward when it matters most.

Arefa, Tahera, and Razia are not only responding to fires. They are also transforming roles, redefining leadership, and building safer communities.

Because when women lead — lives are saved.