Established: 30 September 2020 · Registered with Department of Youth Development
Registered with Department of Youth Development
Registration No: Khulna-101/2025Khulna District, Bangladesh
Youth-led, Community-Based Organization
Policy Action Award Winner
PRANTOZ is a youth-led, community-based organization working to advance the rights, dignity, and overall well-being of Hijra (Gender Diverse) communities and marginalized youth in Khulna district. Founded in 2020, the organization emerged from the lived experiences of young activists who recognized the deep-rooted exclusion, discrimination, and lack of opportunities faced by Hijra and marginalized youth in education, health, employment, and social participation.
Grounded in community ownership and participatory approaches, PRANTOZ works closely with communities to design and implement inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable development initiatives. The organization believes that meaningful change is only possible when marginalized communities are empowered to lead their own development journey.
A society where Hijra and marginalized youth enjoy equal rights, social acceptance, and sustainable opportunities, and are able to live with dignity, security, and self-determination.
To empower Hijra and marginalized youth through inclusive education, skills development, health awareness, climate action, and advocacy, while strengthening community leadership and promoting equitable access to services and opportunities.
Ensuring no one is left behind due to gender identity, socio-economic status, or social stigma
Promoting community-led solutions, and transformative youth leadership
Advocating for fairness, rights, and social justice
Maintaining transparency, integrity, good governance, and responsible use of resources
Focusing on long-term, resilient, and climate-aware development
Regular counseling and motivation sessions to support school drop-out Hijra and marginalized students in returning to formal or alternative education systems.
Community-based awareness on HIV, AIDS, STIs, and SRHR, ensuring access to accurate information while addressing stigma and discrimination.
Raising awareness on climate change, local impacts, and adaptive practices through workshops, campaigns, and dialogues.
CV writing training, employability preparation, and facilitating access to skills development opportunities through government and non-government institutions.
Networking meetings with Hijra and youth groups across Khulna to strengthen collaboration, peer learning, and local-level development engagement.
Legal support, mental health counseling, and referrals for general healthcare services to address multidimensional challenges.
Observing national and international days related to human rights, youth, gender equality, and health, and participating in broader community development initiatives.
Recipient of the Policy Action Award for impactful and innovative community engagement
Registered with the Department of Youth Development (Khulna-101/2025)
Successfully mobilized multiple funds for innovative, community-led initiatives
Successfully implemented five development projects with strong community acceptance
Recognized as a trusted grassroots partner by national and international organizations
Funded by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands through COC Netherlands
Implemented in: Khulna as an implementing organization under Oboyob and the Power of Pride Consortium
Funded by: USAID
Implemented in partnership with: Bondhu Social Welfare Society
Note: Originally planned until 2027, but discontinued due to suspension of USAID funding.
Funded by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Implemented as a partner organization with: Bohnishikha
Funded by: IID
Short-term Medical Camp implemented with Bandhu Social Welfare Society — provided general healthcare, HIV, and STI services to 50 Hijra and marginalized community members.
Funded through: Share-Net Bangladesh and Red Orange Communications
Focused on strengthening SRHR awareness, access to services, and community advocacy.
Supported by: The Earth Society
Funded by: TARAA Climate Foundation
Funded by: Green Voice, The Earth Society
Funded by: Urgent Action Fund
All completed projects were implemented effectively, ensuring community participation, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
PRANTOZ aims to expand its work in education access, climate justice, child marriage prevention, skills development, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. The organization envisions deeper engagement with policy actors, stronger community leadership structures, and long-term partnerships to scale impact for Hijra and marginalized youth communities.