Climate Change Impact on Women’s Livelihood in Bangladesh: Vulnerabilities versus Adaptabilities. — YRD

Climate Change Impact on Women’s Livelihood in Bangladesh: Vulnerabilities versus Adaptabilities. (1012)

Muhammad Asaduzzaman 1 , Salim Momtaz 1 , Meg Sherval 1
  1. The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
Bangladesh is frequently cited as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change because of its disadvantageous geographic location; flat and low-lying topography; high population density; high levels of poverty; reliance of many livelihoods on climate sensitive sectors. It is assumed that women are particularly the most vulnerable group affected by the climate change impacts. This study particularly examines the extent of vulnerability and adaptability options of women to climate change events. The study was conducted following questionnaire survey method, focus group discussion, and key informants’ interview in Shyamnagarupazila of Satkhira district. This area is known as the most affected area by the severe catastrophic event ‘cyclone Aila’. The result shows that several climate change events are simultaneously affecting this area increasingly for decades. These include salinity, frequent occurrence of disasters (e.g. cyclone), extreme weather condition, water logging, and sea level rise. Women are particularly affected as they have less income opportunity, facing health problems, food deficiency, malnutrition, and problems of housing and drinking water. Moreover, women are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts since they have less mobility and less education due to social and religious norms. The absence of empowerment restricts women to take decision in any kind of natural and other events. Their options for adapting with climate change effects are also very limited which put them in a very insecure position. Huge initiative needs to be taken to recover the effects and to provide appropriate adaptability options for the sustainable livelihood of women.
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