Tackling Gendered Climate Impacts Through Innovation
Jagrata Juba Shangha (JJS) is a rights-based, non-profit organization based in Bangladesh, working since 1985 to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, particularly in the southwest coastal region. With a focus on environmental and social development, JJS has benefited over 1.3 million people through various programs in districts like Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Pirojpur. The organization’s work in Khulna addresses the dual impacts of climate change faced by climate migrants from cyclone-prone coastal areas. Many of these migrants, particularly women and adolescents, struggle with severe socio-economic challenges, including early marriage, mental health issues, gender-based violence, and limited access to essential services.
Profile
Grant:
2025: US$ 261,112
CJRF Region:
Bay of Bengal
Why Jagrata Juba Shangha?
With this grant, JJS aims to establish community-driven, youth-led, and women-led Living Labs in urban and peri-urban areas of Khulna. These Living Labs will provide platforms for addressing non-economic losses like gender-based violence, adolescent issues, and service access challenges. JJS will organize workshops and training sessions to engage local stakeholders, including government departments, academics, and the community, in developing game-based models and simulations. These models will simulate real-life scenarios, such as the impact of early marriage versus education for girls, to encourage community engagement and decision-making. Additionally, JJS will offer training and seed funding to support small business development, empowering affected communities to address climate-induced challenges and build resilience. The goal is to build leadership, empower marginalized populations, and create locally tailored solutions that can be integrated into policy frameworks, enhancing the resilience and well-being of these vulnerable communities.
Photo courtesy of Jagrata Juba Shangha.