Fighting Gender-Based Violence in the Face of Climate Change
Parittran is a community-based, non-governmental organization founded in 1993 by a group of Dalit students in Satkhira, Bangladesh. With a focus on marginalized communities, especially Dalits[1], Indigenous people, children, youth, and women, Parittran has spent over 30 years advocating for social justice and advancing Dalit rights. It is a key player in the Bangladesh Dalit Parishad (BDP) network, which spans 54 districts and represents over 33,000 members. Parittran has achieved significant legislative victories, including the Right to Information Act and the Domestic Violence Act, and has built strong partnerships with government bodies to address issues faced by marginalized populations.
[1] The Dalit community refers to marginalized and historically oppressed groups in South Asia, often subjected to discrimination and exclusion based on their caste status.
Profile
Grant:
2025: US$ 69,160
CJRF Region:
Bay of Bengal
Why Parittran?
With this grant, Parittran proposes to enhance resilience and promote gender justice for 16,000 climate-affected Dalit community members in Khulna and Satkhira. The project will focus on reducing gender-based violence, improving sexual and reproductive health practices, and fostering social cohesion. Through participatory community engagement, Parittran will equip these vulnerable communities with the skills needed to adapt to the non-economic impacts of climate change, such as forced migration, mental health challenges, and loss of social cohesion. By empowering local communities, particularly women and girls, the project aims to restore their dignity, ensure health and well-being, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.
Photo courtesy of Parittran.