Reviving Culture to Strengthen Climate Resilience
Prerona is a women-led non-governmental organization founded in 2006, based in the Satkhira district of Bangladesh. The organization is committed to empowering vulnerable women, particularly in the coastal regions, where they face significant challenges due to climate change, gender-based violence, and social stigma. Prerona’s work spans several districts, serving over 28,000 beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on female participation and addressing gender disparity. The organization focuses on improving the socio-economic status of marginalized women and strengthening community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Profile
Grant:
2025: US$ 74,742
CJRF Region:
Bay of Bengal
Why Prerona?
With this grant, Prerona aims to preserve the cultural heritage and strengthen the climate resilience of communities in the Sundarbans. The organization will document and revive traditional songs, dances, and stories to address the disruption of community gatherings and festivals, while also organizing biodiversity festivals led by women and youth. To combat the loss of traditional building techniques, Prerona will train local artisans to incorporate resilient materials into their architecture. Additionally, Prerona will work to preserve local dialects and oral traditions, organizing storytelling events and advocating for their inclusion in educational curricula. These initiatives will help restore cultural identity, support community cohesion, and enhance resilience to climate change in the Sundarbans.
Photo courtesy of Prerona.