Voice Sunderban

01. Why the Project?

The VOICE Sundarbans Project was initiated to address the growing challenges of gender-based violence (GBV) and gender inequality in the Sundarbans region of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The area is highly vulnerable to climate change, poverty, displacement, and social insecurity, making women and adolescent girls more susceptible to child marriage, domestic violence, trafficking, and other forms of abuse. Existing support systems are often inaccessible or inadequate, creating a need for stronger community-based protection and response mechanisms.

02. What is the Project?

The VOICE Sundarbans Project is a 12-month initiative funded by Prabasi and implemented by Mukti. The project aims to prevent gender-based discrimination and violence by empowering women leaders, strengthening community awareness, improving institutional linkages, and providing livelihood opportunities for vulnerable survivors. It also seeks to establish survivor-centred support systems that ensure safety, dignity, and access to justice.

03. How the project is?

The project follows a community-led approach by:

Forming a VOICE Collective consisting of 15 women leaders, 3 supervisors 1 Coordinator.
Building the capacity of women leaders through regular training and workshops.
Conducting community group meetings and public awareness campaigns.
Creating safe spaces and referral mechanisms for survivors.
Collaborating with police, Panchayats, Child Welfare Committees, and Legal Services Authorities.
Supporting vulnerable survivors through livelihood training, market linkages, and financial assistance.
Monitoring project progress through regular evaluation and learning processes.

04. Where the project is?

The project is being implemented in three blocks of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal:

Patharpratima
Kakdwip
Kultali

These climate-vulnerable coastal regions have been selected due to the high prevalence of gender inequality and limited access to support services.

05. What is the impact?

The project aims to create long-term social change by:

Increasing awareness and reporting of gender-based violence.
Establishing an active 18-member VOICE leadership team to prevent and respond to GBV.
Creating safe spaces and stronger community support systems for survivors.
Strengthening coordination with government institutions and legal support services.
Reducing child marriage, domestic violence, and gender-based discrimination.
Enabling at least 10 vulnerable survivors to develop sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic independence.
Enhancing survivors’ dignity, confidence, and resilience while creating opportunities to expand livelihood support in future phases.

Activity Stream