Women vulnerable to sexual harassment at cyclone shelters: Study

Women and girls who seek refuge in cyclone shelters often face sexual harassment due to the lack of basic facilities, such as separate toilets, privacy, and safety measures, according to a recent study.

These shelters are overcrowded, with men and women having to stay together in the same space, which exposes females to harm, said the study, presented at a seminar in Khulna today (27 February).  

Md Mostafizur Rahman, head of the research and associate professor of Urban and Rural Planning at Khulna University, said the research focused on some of the most disaster-prone areas of Koyra Upazila, including Koyra Sadar and South and North Bedkashi Unions.

"In the absence of separate spaces for men and women, sexual harassment has occurred," Mostafizur said. "Moreover, the lack of safe toilets and proper sanitation has caused health issues for women and girls, especially during menstruation."  

The study also revealed the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, said the associate professor. Poor infrastructure and inadequate road access make it even harder for these individuals to reach cyclone shelters during emergencies.  

"Girls who were harassed at the shelters have told us that they could not discuss the matter with their families because of social stigma," he explained.  

Basanti Rani Munda, a representative from the indigenous Munda community, shared a harrowing account of the additional struggles faced by girls during menstruation.  

"When a girl has her period while taking shelter, the lack of safe toilets makes her even more vulnerable to health issues," Munda said.

"The same applies to elderly women. Without proper sanitation, they too face severe difficulties. This lack of facilities forces many women to feel unsafe in cyclone shelters."  

The seminar, titled "Disaster Vulnerabilities of Women and Girls in Koyra Upazila", was jointly held by Jagrata Juba Shangha and Shapla Neer, a Japan-based development organisation. It was attended by local leaders, government officials, and representatives from civil society.  

Sadia Afrin, additional deputy commissioner of Khulna, said although women's participation in the workforce has increased, the barriers they face during disasters are still significant.  

"We need to focus on these issues in future disaster management projects to ensure that women and vulnerable groups are not left behind," Afrin said.  

To address these challenges, Mostafizur Rahman proposed several recommendations, including the construction of gender-sensitive infrastructure in cyclone shelters.  

"Cyclone shelters need separate spaces for women, safe latrines, and sufficient lighting. We also need to improve road access to shelters for pregnant women and people with disabilities," he said. 

Furthermore, he said it is important to include women-led committees in the design and maintenance of shelter infrastructure to ensure safety and security.