Intersecting Inequalities Women, Poverty, and Climate Vulnerabilities in Bangladesh
摘要
Bangladesh is a tropical country on the Banks of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghana (GBM) river basins. It is densely populated, with more than 165 million people. Bangladesh ranks seventh on the Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) for 2021 among the ten most affected countries by climate change from 2000 to 2019. However, the impact on communities is not the same. Women are more vulnerable during natural disasters, particularly in societies where the socio-economic status of women is low. The socio-cultural norms and historical practices embedded in society’s power structure influence distinct roles for men and women that shape their vulnerabilities during disasters. This research investigates the intersecting issues of environmental deterioration, poverty, and gender inequality with a unique challenge faced by Dalit women. These women are more exposed to climate disasters because they often reside in low-lying, flood-prone, or marginalised areas, making them more susceptible to displacement and loss of shelter during climate-related disasters. The data indicates that women in destitute households disproportionately suffer from climate-related adversities, including displacement, loss of income, and food insecurity. Several migrant women face human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery. This study seeks to identify the coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies used by local women to overcome these challenges. The paper analyses Bangladesh’s government initiatives to address gender-specific vulnerabilities through policymaking and implementation, highlighting the potential for more inclusive and effective climate adaptation measures. This work is based on secondary data collected from different sources, including the government’s website.