Our Projects

What we do in the Sundarbans

Champa Mahila Society (CMS) is actively involved in the following projects and activities.

Women & Livelihoods

Empowering women through self-help groups, vocational training and livelihood opportunities, helping them gain financial independence and build more secure futures for their families.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Women's empowerment programs
Animal rearing initiatives

Children & Education

Creating opportunities for vulnerable children through education, learning support and community-based initiatives that help them develop their potential and pursue their dreams.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Preventing children from dropping out of school
Non-formal education for out-of-school children
Day care centers and support for destitute children
Education centers in Jharkhali and Bali Island — a published proposal for four centers serving 25 children each, combining primary education, daily snacks and environmental learning

Economic Security

Supporting families through microcredit, income-generating activities and sustainable livelihood initiatives that strengthen financial stability and reduce economic vulnerability.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Microcredit program
Sustainable agriculture initiatives
Income generation through animal rearing

Health & Wellbeing

Improving access to essential healthcare, nutrition, safe drinking water and health awareness, particularly for women, children and underserved rural communities.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Community health services
Safe drinking water program
Health & wellness program for senior citizens — a health camp held in Shibganj on 21 January 2026, in collaboration with CMIG, reaching 197 older people through health checks, medicine supplies and blanket distribution

Vulnerable Families

Supporting orphaned and disadvantaged children, elderly people and families facing poverty, social isolation and difficult living conditions, helping them access essential care, assistance and opportunities for a more secure and dignified life.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Care and support for orphaned and destitute children
Old-age home and elderly support services
Assistance to families facing extreme poverty and social hardship

Community Resilience

Strengthening local communities through awareness, participation, disaster preparedness and initiatives that help families adapt to the environmental and social challenges of life in the Sundarbans.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Community awareness programs
Disaster relief and emergency support
Sustainable agriculture and environmental education

Special focus

Tiger Widows & Their Families

Standing alongside women who have lost their husbands to tiger attacks in the Sundarbans, helping them face economic hardship, social exclusion and the challenges of raising their families alone, while supporting their dignity, independence and hope for the future.

Understanding the Challenge

In the Sundarbans, many families depend on fishing, crab collection and other forest-based livelihoods. For some, this means risking encounters with wild tigers.

Women whose husbands are killed in tiger attacks are known locally as Bagh Bidhoba, or “Tiger Widows.” Beyond the devastating loss of a loved one, many face severe financial hardship, social stigma and discrimination. Some are blamed for their husbands’ deaths, leaving them isolated at a time when they need support most.

Examples of CMS Initiatives

Support for families affected by tiger attacks
Assistance to vulnerable women and their children
Community-based support for families facing extreme hardship

Learn more: The Tiger Widows of the Sundarbans

Stand with the Sundarbans

Your support can help women, children and vulnerable families build safer, stronger futures.

Donate & Get Involved