Exploring Gender and Climate Change Nexus, and Empowering Women in the South Western Coastal Region of Bangladesh for Adaptation and Mitigation

Abstract

This study has been conducted to identify vulnerabilities and effects of climate change on women in 12 unions in Shyamnagar upazila in the Satkhira district in the Southwestern Coastal Region of Bangladesh (SWCRB). Climate vulnerability and gender inequality may increase due to climate change. Women may, thus, face specific conditions of vulnerability in society and daily livelihood. This paper focuses on investigating factors that influence women’s vulnerability from climate change, their adaptations, and the importance of women empowerment to reduce their inequality in SWCRB. This study also emphasizes gender inequality caused by climate change, and looks at accommodations for women to reduce hostile influences of climate change. From the 9 unions in SWCRB, a total of 320 household respondents were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire. The results of the statistical analysis showed that most of the survey’s perimeter has significant. Interviews, case studies, focus group discussions, workshops, and key informant interviews were also conducted from 12 unions, and it was found that climate change impacts men and women differently, with women being more vulnerable than men. Through case study this paper investigated the main factors influencing the vulnerability of women. In terms of empowerment women may also be well positioned to lead adaptation efforts alongside men, as this analysis represent that gender inequalities are leading by social norms. Women being more vulnerable both in short-term i.e., major natural disasters, cyclones, flood, and long-term i.e., sea level rise, salinity intrusion in water and soil, land erosion, droughts, climatic events, as they enhance gender inequalities. Further, gender inequality is seen in illiteracy, food shortages and poor health conditions, traditional norms, religious taboos, and patriarchy. Moreover, gender-based economic opportunities, women’s mobility, and income are changing, while household authority relations and gender-based socio-economic, cultural, and institutional constraints remain. This study examines the increased vulnerability of women in SWCRB to climate change, which can be mitigated through women empowerment; female involvement with environmentally friendly stoves, rural electrification and renewable energy development, microfinancing, and nakshikantha. (Nakshikantha is a special type of sewing art that is made by creating designs with different types of colored threads on plain stitches). Lastly, women may also lead adaptation efforts alongside men, make decisions, and promote their participation.

Obstacles to Women’s Adaptation and Capacity- Development in Flood-Affected Areas of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

“…The motivation for socio-economically empowering women is compelling as it enhances their abilities, privileges, options, and total impact. Contrary to the earlier emphasis on women's susceptibility, women are now recognized as crucial catalysts for change in the context of adaptation (Ashrafuzzaman et al, 2022). Women have obstacles in accessing shelter, medical care, or leaving their houses due to sociocultural conventions that require them to be accompanied by male guardians when they move around in public areas (Sultana, 2014).…”

The intersectional impact of climate change and gender inequalities in Africa

“…Gender discrimination and disparities persist in Africa due to high rates of illiteracy, food shortages, poor health conditions, and the patriarchal system. Consequently, women face obstacles in addressing climate‐related issues like coastal erosion, flooding, and soil salinity, leading to civil, financial, and political limitations in rural settlements in developing countries [8]. The burden on women to fulfill essential tasks, such as childbearing, securing food, water, and energy for cooking, contributes to the perpetuation of gender inequalities.…”

Tidal Flood Susceptibility Mapping and Community Adaptation Assesment in Semarang Utara District

“…Assessing the level of community participation, especially youth in activities related to social adaptation into the future work of this study. Other future work that is important to do is to study gender role adaptation and psycho-social performance towards understanding local adaptation (Md et al, 2022;Utami et al, 2021;Drury et al, 2019;Putra et al, 2019). The hope is to create harmony between humans and nature which will eventually minimize the impact of tidal floods.…”