Thirteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Bangladesh is considered as one of the most climate vulnerable and disaster-prone countries in the world due to its’ geophysical setting. As evident, natural disasters affect a wide range of communities in Bangladesh nonetheless women are more vulnerable than men. In Bangladesh, any type of environmental catastrophe increases women’s socio-economic vulnerabilities by directly impacting on their families’ food security, water consumption and traditional livelihood. Due to socio-cultural and gender norms women are the main caretakers of household water uses. Therefore, women need to be procured water from diverse natural sources. Given this context, this paper explores women’s narratives from personal and community level experiences, which provide a deeper insight into how and why water is a critical factor for Bangladeshi women’s lives. The paper is framed in feminist environmental theoretical perspective focusing on women’s lived experiences, knowledge and networks, and how these are linked to water related problems. The study was conducted using qualitative research methods in three selected districts (Khulna, Naugaon and Cox’s Bazar) of Bangladesh where water scarcity is a major concern in rural and urban areas. Data and information were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews of women and participant observation of their household chores and their community activities. Further, key informant interviews with national level experts was conducted to explore relevant policy issues. The findings reveal that women’s water related vulnerability influence women to use own skills and knowledge which depict multi-dimensional relationship between women water and environment which is important for policy consideration.