Rising for Change: Sathana’s Journey to Climate Justice

In a quiet farming village in Tamil Nadu, where opportunities are limited and the voices of young girls often go unheard, 18-year-old Sathana has emerged as a powerful advocate for climate justice.

Growing up in a low-income household, Sathana’s life was closely tied to agriculture. Her parents worked as farm labourers, and their income depended on seasonal crops. But as erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and long droughts became common, farming became increasingly unreliable. For families like hers, climate change wasn’t a distant threat—it was a daily struggle. Even basic needs like water and electricity were scarce.  Sathana recalls,

“There were days when we had to choose between using water for the crops or for our home.”

As the eldest of three children, she often missed school to help with chores or care for her siblings. Many girls in her village dropped out before high school, pressured to marry early or stay home.

“Some of my friends left school because their parents said there was no use—there were no jobs for us anyway.” Poverty, gender inequality, and environmental decline combined to steal their choices and silence their dreams.

Children Believe, in partnership with IRCDS, launched a youth-focused climate resilience program in Sathana’s village. The initiative helped young people—especially girls—understand climate change, build leadership skills, and take action. Sathana joined a youth club formed through the program and quickly stood out for her ideas, energy, and ability to rally others.

One of her first proposals was to create a small green space to fight air pollution and encourage community connection. With help from fellow youth members, local volunteers, and support from Children Believe and IRCDS, the idea came to life as “Oxy Park”—a micro-forest planted with native trees and flowering plants. The park became more than a green patch: it was a source of pride, a place to gather, learn, and reflect.

Encouraged by the community’s response, Sathana expanded her efforts. She led awareness drives, organized school visits, and helped implement waste management and water conservation campaigns.  She says,

“I saw how something small—just planting trees—could grow into something that brings people together and gives hope.”

Last year, Sathana’s leadership was recognized internationally. She was selected to represent Children Believe India at a side event of the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. Standing before global leaders, she spoke about the connection between climate change, child safety, and the rights of girls in rural India. “Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a child rights issue. It affects our education, our health, and our future.”

Later that year, she was one of just 27 youth leaders globally invited to contribute to the pre-COP29 dialogue. Her recommendations—particularly those highlighting the vulnerabilities of girls—were included in the youth declaration submitted to COP29.

Back home, Sathana continues to lead with purpose. She mentors younger girls, encourages them to stay in school, and involves them in environmental initiatives. Her family, once hesitant, is now proud of her role as a changemaker. “I never imagined I’d speak in New York. But I also know that real change begins here, in my village,” she says.

Sathana’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when children are seen as agents of change. With the right support, even those from under-resourced communities can rise to become global voices. Her journey speaks to the value of investing in young people, especially girls, to build more resilient, inclusive, and hopeful futures.