NARI SHAKTI: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities in the Sundarbans

Nari Shakti is a transformative initiative launched in January 2025 in the remote villages of Manmathanagar, Chandipur, Shambhunagar, and Bipradaspur under the Gosaba block of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Nestled within the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarban mangrove forest, these villages face a multitude of socio-economic and environmental challenges that severely impact the quality of life.

The region suffers from poor infrastructure — limited transportation, lack of consistent supply of electricity, unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and minimal access to healthcare and education. Most families rely on agriculture, fishing, and forest-based livelihoods, but economic instability, malnutrition, and chronic health issues — especially among women and children — remain critical concerns. In many households, kerosene lamps and candles continue to be the primary sources of light, causing long-term health problems such as vision impairment.

Deep-rooted gender inequality and lack of awareness further hamper the development of these communities. Children are often forced into labour or early marriages due to poverty, while women remain marginalised in both the household and community decision-making processes. The threat of natural disasters — frequent storms, high tides, and flooding — adds to the vulnerability, regularly disrupting education, healthcare, and food supply.

Project Objectives:

Nari Shakti seeks to break this cycle of marginalisation by focusing on livelihood and community development with a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. By enabling women to become active contributors to their households and communities, the project aims to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Through this initiative, women are encouraged to:

Make informed decisions for their families
Ensure their children’s education and proper nutrition
Access healthcare and secure basic needs
Assert their rights and reject social injustices

Key Achievements (as of May 2025):

Livestock Support: Families have become more self-reliant through livestock rearing, improving nutrition and overall health.
Stakeholder Engagement: Strong partnerships have been established with local authorities and government stakeholders, enhancing project support and sustainability.
Alternative Livelihoods: Introduction of poultry farming, fishery, and organic kitchen gardening has created income-generating opportunities while reducing dependence on unsustainable practices like deforestation.
Women’s Economic Empowerment: Mothers’ groups now actively participate in small-scale entrepreneurship and agricultural initiatives, resulting in increased financial independence and household stability.

Geographical Focus:

Villages of Manmathanagar, Chandipur, Shambhunagar, and Bipradaspur in the Gosaba block of Sundarbans, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.

Through Nari Shakti, we envision a future where women lead the way toward a stronger, healthier, and more just community.