Meeting on climate resilience and women's empowerment held in Rowangchhari

A mass meeting on community-based climate resilience and women's empowerment was held in Rowangchhari Upazila, Bandarban, on Monday under the CREA (Community-based Climate Resilience and Empowerment Program) project. Supported by the Embassy of Sweden and implemented by the Rural Development Organisation (GROUS) in collaboration with the Foundation for the People, the event aimed to raise awareness on domestic responsibilities, child marriage prevention, and climate change adaptation in indigenous communities.

The programme was moderated by Project Manager Mongbathui Marma. Project Coordinator Amlan Chakma hosted the event. Mohammad Saiful Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), was present as the chief guest. Special guests included Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Ehsanul Haque, Rowangchhari Police OC Mohammad Manjur Hossain, and Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Shubrat Das.

Local women leaders enriched the discussion, including Minadebi Tanchangya, Nikarani Tanchangya, Srimanti Tanchangya, Baby Tanchangya, Selina Tanchangya, and Jurdevi Tanchangya—representing various women and youth platforms of the Kriya Project.

In his address, UNO Saiful Islam stressed, "Indigenous communities follow social customs, but child marriage remains a punishable offence under national law. This practice must be reported and stopped." He also spoke of climate impact: "Two decades ago, our forests were lush and our rivers flowing. Now, we see the consequences. Everyone must take action by planting trees to protect our environment."

GROUS Accounts Officer Hoimanti Chakma and Development Worker Sumona Tanchangya also joined the event, alongside more than 200 girls from Alekhyang Union.

The meeting fostered critical dialogue on sustainable development, gender equity, and climate resilience, encouraging community-led solutions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.