2025: Year in review

Around the world, too many people are still living without the basics – including a safe, secure home. Progress continues to be slowed by conflict, climate shocks, widening inequality and rising debt.

Against this backdrop, AzuKo sharpened its focus in 2025. We believe everyone, everywhere deserves a safe place to call home. Here’s a snapshot of what we achieved last year, and the communities at the heart of that progress:

 
Housing advice

JANUARY

We expanded our housing advice services, helping people navigate tenancy and occupancy issues, plan safer homes after disasters, and understand their housing rights. When we’re not the right people to help, we connect families to trusted partners who can.

Fundraiser, car boot sale

FEBRUARY

Supporters continued to raise awareness and vital funds for our work. Ann and Lynne held a car boot sale in Gateshead, giving new life to pre-loved items. Feeling inspired? Why not set yourself a challenge in aid of AzuKo this year →

Decent toilet

MARCH

In rural northwest Bangladesh, a decent toilet remains the number one priority for the women and families we support. It brings dignity, safety and better health. As word spreads, more families are reaching out to AzuKo. We need your help to meet the growing demand →

Reimagining Place, AzuKo event

APRIL

Milestone: Since AzuKo began in 2014, more than 6,100 people have attended our events. On Earth Day, we brought together housing and design experts to explore the links between social justice, place and wellbeing – and why they matter.

Before, we had to go outside to the fields, which was unsafe, especially for women. Now, we have privacy, security, and better hygiene. It has changed our lives.
— Moniabala (new toilet, Bangladesh)
Presenting South Woodford

MAY

Our mapping work with South Woodford community in London was shortlisted for the Esri Success Award. The team presented at their Annual Conference attended by over 2,500 people, showing how community-owned data can shape better local development. Learn more →

Structural model

JUNE

Milestone: We set an ambitious goal to train 1,000 women in construction between 2023 and 2025. We’re proud to have trained 1,118 women in the past three years – and nearly 1,800 people since our Build for safety training began in 2018.

Amena's new kitchen

JULY

A safe, healthy home is the foundation for a decent life. Many of the homes we build are modest in size but powerful in impact. Read Amena’s story and see how her improved kitchen is changing daily life →

SuSanA meeting, Stockholm

AUGUST

We attended World Water Week and the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance meeting in Sweden. These global gatherings help us learn, share, and strengthen the movement for housing justice. Read what we took away from the events →

When I think of the future we are building, I don’t see numbers. I see a girl who stays in school. A mother living in good health. A grandmother who no longer fears searching for a place to go to the toilet at night.

That is progress worth fighting for.
— Jo (CEO)
Screening film in South Korea

SEPTEMBER

Our award-winning short film Building Resilience continues to educate and inspire audiences around the world – with screenings reaching Jeju Island in South Korea. It shows what’s possible when women gain the skills to build safer homes. Watch here →

Finalists presentation

OCTOBER

We were proud to be named a finalist in the prestigious Clifford Chance SDG Awards, recognising outstanding contributions toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It’s an encouraging nod to the collective effort behind our work.

Cross-community learning visit

NOVEMBER

Milestone: More than 725 women have been supported through housing finance initiatives – including financial training, savings groups, new bank accounts and peer learning visits. Can you help us reach 1,000 women by the end of 2026?

Big Give success

DECEMBER

Together, we raised an incredible £25,424 through our annual appeal. Every gift helps create a pathway out of poverty for families we work alongside. Watch our video to see the real difference your support makes →

The new year is a chance to achieve more, together. Get in touch if you’d like to make a difference in 2026. We’d love to hear from you.