Challenges and Strategic Approaches for Addressing Gender Inequities in Climate-Vulnerable Coastal Regions of Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58718/bigmjpa/2026.3.2Keywords:
Gender inequities, climate vulnerability, disaster risk reduction, gender inequality, climate change adaptationAbstract
The southwestern districts of Bangladesh, particularly Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira, are highly susceptible to frequent cyclones, salinity intrusion, and flooding due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Social disparities, restricted mobility, and exclusion from decision-making processes exacerbate women’s risks in these regions. During disasters, women often face food insecurity, travel long distances to collect water, reside in unsafe shelters, and experience increased gender-based violence. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the security and well-being of women. Over time, these issues undermine community resilience, hinder development, and adversely affect women’s reproductive health, mental health, livelihoods, and financial stability. This research focuses on the increasing exposure of women in Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira to climate hazards such as cyclones, salinity, and flooding. Vulnerabilities are examined using a qualitative methodology, including sixteen Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with government officials, local representatives, and NGO staff, as well as four focus group discussions with twenty-two male and female community members and NGO mid-level officials. Findings indicate that women face heightened risks due to limited education, restricted mobility, insufficient digital literacy, lack of gender-sensitive services, and weak institutional support, all of which contribute to their marginalization before, during, and after disasters (the author’s fieldwork in 2019-2025 was conducted in Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira). Women’s vulnerability to climate change in coastal Bangladesh is multifaceted. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires the implementation of gender-responsive policies. The primary objective of this research is to empower women as agents of resilience, which is crucial for equitable adaptation, sustainable development, and social inclusion. The findings demonstrate that gender-responsive strategies enhance resilience in coastal communities and inform policy and development. The study underscores the importance of integrating financial and non-financial services into adaptation plans to promote inclusive, evidence-based policies.
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