Mohila O Shishu Songathan

a women-led non-profit organization established in 2005 in Koyra, Khulna, one of the most climate-vulnerable coastal regions of Bangladesh. MSS works to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and children, and build resilient communities through inclusive development initiatives focused on education, health, livelihood, and climate adaptation.

Who We Are

Mohila O Shishu Songathan (MSS) is a women-led non-profit organization established in 2005 in Koyra, Khulna, one of the most climate-vulnerable coastal regions of Bangladesh. MSS works to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and children, and build resilient communities through inclusive development initiatives focused on education, health, livelihood, and climate adaptation.

Organizational Background

Koyra Upazila in southwest coastal Bangladesh is one of the country’s most climate-vulnerable areas, frequently hit by cyclones, tidal surges, salinity intrusion, and river erosion that severely affect livelihoods and well-being—especially of women and children. In response, Mohila O Shishu Songathan (MSS) was founded in August 2005 as a women-led, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting women’s and children’s rights, empowerment, and community resilience in disaster-prone areas.  Governed by an all-women Executive, General, and Advisory Committee, MSS implements programs on gender equality, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and child protection, working collaboratively with government bodies, NGOs, and local networks to build an inclusive, secure, and dignified future for all.

Our Vision, Mission & Goal

Vision

To build a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient society where women and children live with dignity, equality, and security — empowered to lead, participate, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and social transformation.

Mission

To empower women and children by promoting their rights, enhancing their leadership, and strengthening community resilience through inclusive development initiatives focused on gender equality, education, health, livelihood, and climate adaptation in the coastal regions of Bangladesh.

Goal

To improve the socio-economic status, rights, and resilience of women, children, and marginalized communities in coastal Koyra by promoting gender equality, inclusive development, and sustainable livelihoods through integrated actions on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, health, and education.

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Objectives

  • To reduce unemployment by promoting skill development, vocational training, small-scale enterprises, livestock and fish farming, and social forestry.
  • To empower socially and economically disadvantaged groups through participatory community development.
  • To support disaster-affected populations with emergency relief, rehabilitation, and livelihood recovery assistance.
  • To prevent gender-based violence, child marriage, dowry, and polygamy through awareness, advocacy, and community engagement.
  • To ensure access to reproductive health, hygiene education, and safe motherhood services for women and adolescents.
  • To promote education and awareness among women, children, and elderly people, including support for birth registration.
  • To ensure safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene practices in coastal communities.
  • To support and rehabilitate elderly persons and persons with disabilities through social inclusion and access to essential services.
  • To promote conservation and sustainable management of natural resources through community participation.
  • To foster social harmony and a drug-free society through awareness and behavioral change initiatives.

Our Activities

Community Mobilization and Group Formation
Formation of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to strengthen collective action, savings, and decision-making for resilience and livelihood improvement.
Safe Water and Sanitation
Excavation and renovation of ponds, distribution of water storage tanks, installation of disaster-resilient toilets, and rehabilitation of pond sand filters (PSFs) to ensure safe drinking water in salinity-affected areas.
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Distribution of climate-tolerant agricultural tools and technologies, promotion of homestead gardening, livestock rearing, and support for small businesses and income-generating activities (IGA).
Disaster Risk Reduction and Infrastructure Support
Repair and improvement of earthen roads, construction of wooden bridges, and support for disaster-resilient housing to enhance mobility and safety in disaster-prone villages.
Environmental Conservation
Implementation of social and riverbank plantation programs and awareness campaigns to protect natural resources and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Advocacy and Awareness Raising
Organization of meetings, courtyard sessions, rallies, human chains, and press conferences to advocate for women’s rights, climate justice, and sustainable environmental practices.
Partnership and Collaboration
Active collaboration with the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs), and local government bodies to integrate women’s leadership in disaster risk management and community decision-making.
Humanitarian Support
Provision of hygiene kits, wheelchairs for women with disabilities, livelihood equipment, and financial assistance to over 5,000 women and children affected by disasters and poverty.
Capacity Building
Conducting training on disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, entrepreneurship, and gender equality to build local leadership and strengthen institutional capacity.
Education, Health, and Social Protection
Conducting awareness sessions on reproductive health, hygiene, birth registration, and child marriage prevention, alongside advocacy for social inclusion of elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
Campaigns and Day Observances
Regular observance of national and international days related to women’s rights, child protection, disaster resilience, and environmental conservation to enhance public awareness and solidarity.