The coastal regions of Bangladesh are among the most vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels, increasing salinity, and frequent natural disasters such as cyclones and floods threatening livelihoods and health. Women in these areas bear a disproportionate burden due to existing gender inequities, exacerbated by climate-induced challenges. The intersection of climate change and women’s health is often underexplored, but its consequences are significant, ranging from reproductive health issues to mental health crises. Without targeted interventions, the resilience of women in coastal areas will remain compromised, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability and poverty.
Bangladesh’s coastal belt is home to approximately 38 million people, of whom over 50% are women. The region faces a high frequency of cyclones, with 70% of major storms in the Bay of Bengal impacting Bangladesh (BBS, 2022). These events result in acute disruptions to healthcare access, sanitation facilities, and nutritional security, all of which disproportionately affect women. Increased salinity in drinking water due to sea-level rise has been linked to higher rates of hypertension and preeclampsia among pregnant women. Additionally, the lack of adequate menstrual hygiene facilities during and after disasters exacerbates reproductive tract infections, leaving women in prolonged physical discomfort and social stigma.
Studies over the past decade have consistently highlighted the vulnerability of women’s health in coastal Bangladesh. For instance, the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD, 2018) reported that 70% of women in cyclone shelters lack access to safe and private sanitation facilities, leaving them vulnerable to infections and privacy concerns. Additionally, around 60% of pregnant women in these regions experience complications linked to saline drinking water, contributing to elevated rates of hypertension and preeclampsia.
The education of adolescent girls is another critical concern. According to a study by Innovision, 56% of adolescent girls in coastal regions miss school during menstruation due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and private facilities. This lack of infrastructure not only disrupts their education but also perpetuates cycles of gender inequality and health vulnerability.
Mental health issues have also emerged as a significant challenge. Another study by Innovision found that 60% of women affected by Cyclone Amphan in 2020 displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The prolonged displacement caused by disasters often exacerbates these mental health challenges, with women facing heightened risks of gender-based violence in temporary shelters.
Efforts to mitigate these challenges remain fragmented. While initiatives like the Climate Change Trust Fund and various NGO programs aim to address women’s health and disaster preparedness, these efforts often lack coordination and scalability. For instance, only 30% of rural health clinics in coastal areas are equipped to handle emergency obstetric care, significantly limiting access to lifesaving maternal health services (MoHFW, 2023). Moreover, there is a noticeable gap in integrating gender-specific needs into broader climate adaptation strategies, leaving women’s health concerns inadequately addressed.
Addressing the dual challenge of climate change and its impact on women’s health requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, investments in gender-responsive health infrastructure are essential, including climate-resilient hospitals and mobile clinics. Secondly, community-based awareness programs must prioritize women’s health education, focusing on menstrual hygiene and mental health support during disasters. Integrating women into disaster management committees can ensure that their specific needs are addressed in emergency response plans.
Moreover, research should focus on localized impacts, employing disaggregated data to design targeted interventions. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations can amplify efforts to build resilience. Lastly, policy advocacy is crucial to allocate adequate resources for addressing the gendered impacts of climate change on health.
In conclusion, as climate change continues to reshape the coastal landscape of Bangladesh, women’s health remains a pressing concern. A holistic approach that combines technical innovation, social equity, and policy reform is imperative to safeguard the well-being of women in these vulnerable regions.
References
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Cyclone and storm impact analysis.
International Centre for Climate Change and Development. (2018). Gendered impacts of climate change in coastal Bangladesh.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (2023). Health infrastructure resilience in coastal areas.
Author: Md. Rihan Hossain, an Associate in the Gender and Basic Services Portfolio at Innovision Consulting