Sound of Silence: Strengthening Tribal Women's Voices and Leadership for Climate Risk Reduction among Tribal Communities in the Sundarbans, India is an action research initiative working at the intersection of climate change, ecological degradation and social vulnerability to strengthen the adaptive capacities of tribal communities in the Indian Sundarbans and inform climate adaptation policy and practice through field-based evidence. The project centres the priorities and lived realities of tribal communities, particularly Munda and Oraon women, placing indigenous knowledge, perspectives and leadership at the core of local climate action. Initially supported by the Oak Foundation and currently in its Exit Phase with the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, SOS is working closely with 800 tribal families across eight villages in Kakdwip, Kultali, Hingalganj and Sandeshkhali I blocks.

With a focus on strengthening community ownership and enabling local institutions to independently manage livelihoods, climate adaptation efforts and local support systems beyond the project lifecycle, key Exit Phase activities include:

Over the course of the project, communities increasingly began strengthening local planning, preparedness and livelihood systems in response to recurring environmental and economic uncertainties. Current work in the Exit Phase is committed to ensuring that community members emerge as active decision-makers, innovators and custodians of their own development trajectories.