About Us

A note from the Founding Director

Hi there — My name is Sinead Fox from County Cavan, Ireland. I am an environmentalist. In October 2001 I decided to go to India to do some development work. When I visited the Sundarbans Region I heard of the problem of Tiger and Crocodile Attacks on the local people. I carried out a survey of some 66 widows and it was apparent that they were very poor, destitute women, marginalised - on the edges of society.

In 2002 I registered the Tiger Widows Organisation as a group with charitable status in Ireland. All charitable organisations carrying out activities in the state are required to be registered with the Charities Regulator. All registered charities are required to report on their activities and finances to the Regulator on an annual basis.

We set out to raise money through various fundraising activities for the setting up of women's self-help-groups and for training in animal rearing (goats, hens, cows), vegetable gardening, nutrition, rice growing and needlework.

These skills make such a difference to the families of the Sundarbans. For example since 2012 we have provided training to almost 4,000 women in the Sundarbans region. The women are also involved in Womens Empowerment initiatives and learn about the importance of education for themselves and their families.

We work with local partner groups in Sundarbans to deliver sustainable long-lasting projects that benefit both the most vulnerable citizens and the environment.

Sustainable eco-development is a good approach in Sundarbans. It gives communities an alternative to life-threatening toil and it gives tigers a chance to co-exist on our planet.