The climate vulnerability of rural women in Bangladesh: A call for urgent action

Rural women and the burden of climate vulnerability

Rural women in Bangladesh form the backbone of the nation's agricultural sector. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), over 48% of the rural population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, with women comprising a substantial portion of this workforce. Despite their essential role, these women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, which makes them more vulnerable to its devastating effects.

Extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and river erosion—all of which are becoming more frequent and severe—exacerbate the socio-economic hardships of rural women. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh's agricultural sector is among the most climate-sensitive in the world, with crop yields projected to decline significantly in the coming decades due to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall. These shifts directly threaten the livelihoods of rural women, who are primarily engaged in agriculture and natural resource management.

A report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reveals that rural women in Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable because they have limited access to land, financial resources, and decision-making platforms. This lack of access prevents them from adopting climate-resilient practices or technologies. Women's limited mobility—due to cultural restrictions and a lack of financial independence—further reduces their ability to respond to climate-related disasters, leaving them more exposed to the consequences of natural calamities.

The health dimension of climate change

The health impacts of climate change are felt acutely by rural women, who are already burdened with the responsibilities of managing households and caring for their families. Climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves exacerbate the prevalence of waterborne diseases and respiratory illnesses, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is expected to increase the incidence of waterborne diseases in Bangladesh, disproportionately affecting rural women and children. The challenge of accessing clean water, combined with the rising prevalence of diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera, poses a severe threat to women's health. Moreover, reproductive health is often neglected, and with the added strain of climate-induced health risks, rural women face even greater challenges in maintaining their well-being.

Gender-responsive climate solutions: The way forward

As we observe International Rural Women's Day, it is vital to recognise that rural women are not merely victims of climate vulnerability—they are also key agents of change in the fight against climate change. The World Bank's report on gender and climate change underscores the importance of integrating women into climate adaptation strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Rural women are already contributing to climate resilience by applying traditional knowledge and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. However, they need support in the form of resources, training, and financial services to scale up their efforts and build sustainable livelihoods.

Empowering rural women through digital and financial inclusion

A critical enabler of women's resilience is financial inclusion. The World Bank estimates that around 70% of rural women in Bangladesh lack access to formal financial services. This exclusion severely limits their ability to invest in climate-resilient livelihoods, from sustainable farming to small-scale entrepreneurship.

The rise of digital financial services, such as mobile money platforms like bKash, offers a powerful opportunity to empower rural women. These platforms can provide access to savings, loans, and insurance products that strengthen women's economic independence and enhance their ability to withstand climate-related shocks.

In addition, climate finance mechanisms must be gender-responsive. By providing rural women with access to grants, loans, and insurance products tailored to their specific needs, we can enable them to invest in sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient livelihoods. Gender-responsive climate finance can play a pivotal role in reducing the disproportionate burdens that rural women face during climate crises.

The role of policy and community support

Policy interventions must prioritise gender equality within climate action. Bangladesh has made commitments to reducing carbon emissions and building climate resilience, but these efforts must become more inclusive of rural women. By ensuring that women are not only beneficiaries of climate initiatives but also active participants in their design and implementation, the country can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Community-based climate resilience programmes should also be designed to include rural women in leadership roles, ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. Such initiatives should focus on providing education, training, and access to resources that strengthen women's capacity to adapt to the changing climate.

Empowering rural women for a sustainable future

We must remember that empowering rural women is not only a matter of social justice—it is a critical strategy for building climate resilience in Bangladesh. Rural women have already demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the face of climate change, but they require the right tools, resources, and policies to fully realise their potential.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a unique opportunity to equip rural women with digital tools that expand access to education, finance, and healthcare. However, systemic barriers must first be addressed to ensure their full participation in the climate resilience agenda.

By empowering rural women, Bangladesh can unlock a powerful force for combating the impacts of climate change and achieving a sustainable, inclusive future. This International Rural Women's Day, let us commit ourselves to investing in the resilience of rural women and ensuring that they remain at the centre of climate action strategies. Their empowerment is, ultimately, our collective strength.

Sketch: TBS

S M Faridul Haque is a gender and inclusive development strategist who works for national and international organisations as a consultant.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.