Women’s role in disaster response overlooked in Bangladesh: Experts

Experts at a roundtable today (17 October) highlighted that women in Bangladesh bear a disproportionate burden during disasters as they often prioritise family needs over their own. 

This puts them at greater risk during floods, cyclones, and other crises, yet their sacrifice and contributions to disaster recovery frequently go unrecognised, exacerbating gender inequality.

The roundtable "Integrating Gender Equality in Climate Finance Strategies for Bangladesh", jointly organised by The Business Standard in association with Manusher Jonno Foundation and Sweden Sverige, was held at its office in Eskaton Garden, the capital, today (17 October).

At the event, the participants called for a gender-responsive budget that includes women and communities while considering the effects of climate change. 

"We have to recognise women as important agents of change," said Shaheen Anam, executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). 

"While around 35% of the budget is allocated for climate initiatives focused on women, the reality is different. If these funds do not improve women's lives, they serve no real purpose."

Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation 

She described the issue as existential for Bangladesh, emphasising the importance of engaging women in climate strategies. Although the government has taken steps, results have not been satisfactory.

Anam added, "Allocations are made for women, but field monitoring often reveals that funds disappear. We must view women as key agents and ensure that allocations are monitored to bring about meaningful changes in their lives."

She noted that while around 35% of the budget is allocated for climate initiatives focused on women, the reality is different. If these funds do not improve women's lives, they serve no real purpose. Observing the challenges faced by women in coastal and riverine areas reinforces this need for monitoring.

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, questioned the effectiveness of gender-responsive budgeting over the past 50 years, noting that the UN Secretary-General has predicted it could take 150 to 200 years to see substantial improvements. 

While Bangladesh has made strides in disaster response, the recent floods in Feni revealed gaps in preparation, she said. 

She noted that while economic losses are visible, the long-term effects, such as child marriage and the loss of education, are often overlooked.

At the upcoming COP-29 conference, Kabir said Bangladesh would demand $1 trillion in public core funding. 

"Despite global and national political promises, these pledges have yet to materialise. However, with a pro-people government emerging in Bangladesh, expectations are high," kabir added.

Iqbal Abdullah Harun, additional secretary of the Climate Change Wing (Additional Charge), said that while few people work on climate issues, these issues affect everyone, particularly vulnerable populations. 

"Although progress has been made in addressing gender inequality, it remains incomplete globally and in Bangladesh. Due to Bangladesh's geographical position, climate change has a multiplier effect, impacting various sectors and increasing suffering."

Harun emphasised that the climate crisis is deeper than visible disasters, and women's challenges, such as caring for children and transporting water in flood-affected areas, are particularly acute. 

He also noted that the issue spans across ministries, not just one responsible body.

Presenting the keynote paper, Zakir Hossain Khan, chief executive of Change Initiative Limited, said the nature of disasters has evolved over the past 30 years, with new challenges like extreme heat, drought, and groundwater salinity. Urban air pollution is another concern. 

Khan highlighted that although Bangladesh contributes just 0.56% of global carbon emissions, it faces significant risks from climate change. From 2000 to 2019, 185 extreme disaster events occurred in Bangladesh, causing $3.72 billion in damages.

He also mentioned that floods in neighbouring India, such as Tripura or Assam, cannot be contained by border guards, as nature knows no boundaries Flood and river management should focus on sustainable strategies rather than control or governance. 

He pointed out that gender issues run deep, with incidents like child marriage increasing after floods, leaving families in debt and women exploited by local agents.

Sajjadur Rahman, deputy editor of The Business Standard, moderated the event and stressed the importance of addressing gender inequality in climate budgeting and implementation. 

He also discussed the significance of preparations ahead of the COP-29 conference, where discussions could influence not only financial matters but also technical knowledge.

Other participants included Banasree Mitra Neogi, director of MJF; Md Golam Rabbani, head of Climate Bridge Fund at BRAC; Khodeja Sultana, country director of Diakonia; SM Munzurul Hannan Khan of Nature Conservation Management; Jabber Md Soaib, deputy director of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority; Sheikh Nur Ataya Rabbi from the Center for Participatory Research and Development; Rumana Khan, GBV Cluster Coordinator at UNFPA; Noor Ali Shah from UN Women; and Md Abul Hasan from the Coast Foundation.