A new chapter of community-led resilience is emerging across the country. Women are stepping into frontline emergency roles once dominated by men, transforming how communities prepare for and respond to crises.

Since 2014, the Aga Khan Foundation’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) have grown from a small volunteer initiative into a nationwide network of trained responders supporting communities during emergencies, disasters and local crises. They work hand-in-hand with municipal authorities, who rely on them as trusted local partners.

In this video, hear from Fardous Shahin, one of the women volunteers who now make up half of the CERT responders.