Amid this crisis, 26-year-old Shapna Munda emerged as a driving force for change. A resident of Gazipara village in Uttar Bedkashi Union, Koyra Upazila, Khulna District, Shapna grew up witnessing her community’s struggles firsthand. Her father, a day laborer, was the sole breadwinner for their family, which owned only five decimals of land. When Cyclone Aila destroyed their home, they sought refuge with relatives in Satkhira. Years later, Cyclone Amphan forced them into a cyclone shelter, leaving them without a home or livelihood.

During this time, Shapna took on temporary work as a data enumerator for an emergency relief project, but when the program ended, her family was left without income once again. “This was not just my struggle,” she reflected. “It represents the harsh reality faced by the entire Munda community.”

Despite these hardships, Shapna remained determined to support her family and community. Her turning point came on October 1, 2020, when she was offered a position as a Ward Facilitator for the UNDP’s Gender-responsive Coastal Adaptation (GCA) Project, supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Government of Bangladesh. While pursuing her undergraduate studies, she embraced this role as more than just a job—it was a mission to uplift her people.

The GCA project provided Shapna with the opportunity to transform her community’s resilience against climate change. As a Ward Facilitator, she worked tirelessly to ensure that the Munda people were included in local decision-making processes and received equitable benefits from adaptation initiatives.

She mobilized 161 project beneficiaries in Ward No. 7, including 34 Munda individuals, helping them develop sustainable livelihoods through vegetable farming and livestock rearing. Through her efforts, families gained access to clean drinking water—an essential step toward long-term resilience.

Fluent in the Munda language, Shapna facilitated consultations, training sessions, and meetings, ensuring her community’s voices were heard and respected. Her dedication made her a beloved figure, with many considering her a daughter of the community. “Seeing the smiles on my people’s faces makes me proud, knowing I have played a part in improving their lives,” she said.

With the support of UNDP, Shapna’s family transformed from struggling survivors to symbols of strength and progress. Her story exemplifies the power of gender-responsive coastal adaptation in empowering marginalized communities. Through her work, she not only strengthened livelihoods but also safeguarded the dignity, culture, and future of the Munda people.

As climate threats escalate, Shapna’s unwavering commitment and the support of the GCA project demonstrate how inclusive, equitable, and sustainable solutions can create lasting change for vulnerable communities in Bangladesh’s coastal regions.