Developing Gender Responsive Climate Adaptation Pathways in Urban Bangladesh
As a low-lying deltaic country, Bangladesh is particularly susceptible to adverse impacts such as rising sea levels, increased flooding, and more frequent natural disasters. As we continue to grasp the extent of the vulnerabilities due to extreme climatic shocks and climate change. According to the World Bank, approximately 30 million people in Bangladesh could be displaced by rising sea levels by 2050, with women being disproportionately affected due to their socio-economic status and roles within households.
Women are according to statistics over 50% of the population of Bangladesh, and they are close to 85 million. Women are generally more vulnerable to climate change than men because they make up the majority of Bangladesh's poor with over 50% of women living below the national poverty line. Moreover, their vulnerability is exacerbated due to existing gender inequalities and socio-economic factors.
According to certain studies women are more likely to migrate than men due to the loss of livelihoods, food insecurity and lack of adaptation options in their villages. The communities migrate to urban settlements, and this is not new, a major influx occurred after the 1970 cyclone, 1991, 2007 SIDR, Aila cyclones and post floods, yet we struggle to find a clear plan for developing infrastructures and services in the cities/urban settings which is why we find inadequate temporary shelters in the cities.
Women often depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, which are threatened by climate change. This can lead to loss of harvests, which are often their only source of food and income. Jamila, a 31-year-old woman, works as a maid in people's houses. She lives in a slum in Dhaka city. Approximately ten years ago, she migrated to the city from Bhola when she lost her house due to river erosion. Her husband is a rickshaw puller, and they have two daughters and one son, who is disabled and requires special attention and assistance. She is extremely worried about what the future holds for their children. They are struggling to provide a home, food, and proper educational opportunities to them due to their financial constraints. Women are replacing low-waged manual labour jobs and suffer wage discrimination.
There is limited understanding of the vulnerabilities of women and girls impacted by climate change and extremities in urban context. The most frequently occurring hazards due to climate change are water logging induced by erratic rainfall, or too much rain, tornado/ cyclone, and flood.
Over 40% of urban dwellers in Bangladesh live in slums and informal settlements, where they are exposed to higher risks of climate-related hazards. (Source: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics) Women have limited ownership of resources and wealth. This is across society however is sharp among poor women.
In urban areas, particularly within slums and informal settlements, women face heightened vulnerabilities characterized by inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, and limited access to essential services. Women are particularly impacted by intense rainfall and they along with the children are exposed to water borne diseases. Waste management is informal settings are seriously inadequate.
Heat and temperature rise in recent years has added to their vulnerability. The option for rehydration for the poor is difficult given the issues of accessibility and affordability. In urban settings the urban poor are in congested spaces and lack the facilities like water and sanitation, as well as health services that can deal with the heat related health problems.
In many urban slums, only 50-60% of households have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, making women and children more vulnerable to waterborne diseases. (Source: UNICEF)
During pregnancy, these women face numerous difficulties due to limited access to proper prenatal care and healthcare facilities. The lack of awareness and resources often results in inadequate nutrition and healthcare, posing risks to both the mother and the child.
Similarly, adolescent girls in poor urban communities encounter numerous challenges. The absence of comprehensive sexual education and limited access to healthcare services leaves them vulnerable to various health risks. Furthermore, the nutrition status of females in urban poor areas remains a concern. Limited financial resources often restrict their access to nutritious food, leading to malnutrition and related health complications.
Additionally, the affordability and availability of sanitary pads remain a significant issue. Many females in poor urban communities struggle to access sanitary products, which not only affects their hygiene but also exposes them to various infections. Maintaining proper hygiene practices also proves challenging for poor urban females. Inadequate sanitation facilities and a lack of clean water hinder their ability to maintain personal hygiene, increasing the risk of diseases and infections.
Mental health: Climate change can impact women's mental health, either directly through extreme events or indirectly through livelihood impacts.
The health situation of males impacted by climate change, in poor urban communities presents a concerning picture as well. Firstly, the education rate for males in these areas remains low, with limited access to quality education and a higher dropout rate among boys. This hinders their overall development and future prospects.
During adolescence, boys face numerous challenges, including peer pressure, lack of guidance, and exposure to risky behaviours. Sadly, these factors contribute to a growing trend of drug addiction among young males in poor urban areas, exacerbating their health and well-being.
In addition to drug addiction, the mental health of males in poor urban communities is another area of concern. The stressors associated climate displacement, poverty, social inequalities and limited access to mental healthcare services take a toll on their psychological well-being. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues often go undiagnosed and untreated, further deteriorating their overall health.
Moreover, the nutrition status of males in urban poor areas is inadequate. Limited financial resources and a lack of awareness about balanced diets result in poor nutritional intake. This leads to malnutrition and its associated health problems, including stunted growth, weakened immune systems and an increased vulnerability to diseases. This impacts the family as a whole with greater implications for women.
The impact of climate change in urban Bangladesh presents a mixed picture of challenges and opportunities for women. While urban areas offer employment prospects, women face vulnerabilities upon returning to villages or as they age, hindering their ability to meet the demands of the labour force.
Recognising the gender dimensions of climate change and implementing gender-responsive policies in urban and peri-urban settings can help empower women and build their resilience in the face of these challenges.
There has to be a major shift from “victim narrative” and recognise the agencies of the women and marginalised. Also, the authorities have to regularly monitor adaptation measures and if they are working as there is a risk of such measures ending with mal-adaptation consequences.
Gender-responsive policies and programs can help ensure that women's needs and perspectives are taken into account in climate change planning and decision-making. This will be possible if women are encouraged to participate and share their perspective in urban planning, development, and resource allocation. City corporations and municipality need to work in partnership with the women and people of other gender. It will contribute towards enhancing the process of ‘citizenship’ for the women and members of third gender in urban settlements.
Climate change poses significant health risks in urban Bangladesh, with women experiencing disproportionate burdens. Addressing the gendered impact of climate change on health requires gender-sensitive approaches by institutional actors, adequate resources to infiltrate the health landscape of the urban poor. Needless to remind all that it is important to empower women, provide tailored healthcare services, enhance resilience, and promote community- based interventions. By recognising and addressing these gendered challenges, urban Bangladesh can build a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system that protects the health and well-being of all its residents, regardless of gender.
The Importance of Addressing Women's Vulnerability
Urban institutions and authorities need to be empowered, decentralised, and provided with a separate budget to serve their constituencies. First and foremost, the policy makers require disaggregated data.
Climate change induced migration to cities may have stressed the already poor service infrastructures therefore relevant planning and climate proof action is essential in the changed circumstances.
Empowering women through education and access to resources can significantly enhance their resilience against climate change. It is about recognising that women and girls have certain capacities! Research indicates that when women are involved in decision-making processes related to climate adaptation and disaster response, communities are better equipped to handle environmental challenges. For example, women's participation in local governance has been linked to improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. A notable initiative is the Women-led Emergency Response Team, led by ActionAid Bangladesh, which trains women in disaster risk reduction and emergency response. This team not only enhances women's capacity to respond effectively during crises but also ensures that their unique needs and perspectives are integrated into local disaster management plans. Such involvement empowers women to take leadership roles in their communities, fostering greater resilience and improving overall disaster response outcomes.
Promoting women-led community groups, such as the Reflection Action Circle led by ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB), can effectively address local climate challenges and advocate for policy changes. These groups empower women by providing them with platforms to voice their concerns regarding climate impacts and engage in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Investing in women's economic empowerment not only benefits individual households but also contributes to broader economic resilience. Programs of AAB that provide training in sustainable agricultural practices or non-agricultural practices can help women diversify their income sources and improve their financial stability.
To ensure sustainable solutions, it is essential to integrate gender perspectives into climate policies. This approach ensures that the unique needs of women are considered in adaptation strategies. Gender-responsive policies and means of implementation can create more effective adaptation strategies that benefit entire communities while promoting equality.
Enhance and increase women’s access to climate finance, DRR and Humanitarian funding, including by supporting women’s organisations to access funding from national and international funding bodies and other multi-lateral mechanism generally and those focusing on urbanization and development.
For instance, the Bangladesh Climate Change Gender Action Plan (CCGAP) aims to integrate gender considerations into all aspects of climate change planning and implementation, with a specific focus on sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and disaster risk reduction. While it acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and provides a framework for mainstreaming gender, it may not fully capture the unique challenges faced by women in urban areas, particularly in slums and informal settlements. Effective implementation and monitoring, along with addressing intersectionality and building local capacity, are crucial to ensure the CCGAP's success in achieving gender equality and climate justice in Bangladesh
Additionally, the policies like Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Urban Development Plan has made strides toward incorporating gender perspectives; however, ongoing monitoring and implementation remain critical challenges. Ensuring women's voices are included in climate change adaptation policies will pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient future for all communities in Bangladesh.
Author's Brief
Farah Kabir,
ActionAid Bangladesh