A recent report by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) sheds light on a concerning issue: 66.9% of women and girls express discomfort seeking shelter during disasters due to inadequate safety measures and essential amenities, including toilets.
Published as a needs assessment report, the IRC’s study focuses on the impact of climate change and natural disasters on women and girls, revealing the far-reaching consequences on factors such as school dropout rates, child marriages, gender-based violence, and income loss.
The report highlights the escalating frequency of natural disasters in coastal areas of Bangladesh, directly linked to climate change. In collaboration with research firm DM WATCH, the IRC conducted the assessment in disaster-prone regions like Barisal, Khulna, Shatkhira, and Bhola.
One significant revelation from the multi-sectoral needs assessment report is the lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in these areas. Consequently, many women face long-term health issues due to inadequate treatment and discussions. The IRC unveiled the report at a symposium held at Dhaka’s Crown Plaza.
Md Mijanur Rahman, Director General of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, emphasized efforts to create lactating mother-friendly spaces in cyclone shelters and the development of disaster-resilient infrastructure.
IRC’s Country Director Hasina Rahman stressed the need for inclusive and empowering initiatives, considering the diverse needs of various social groups. A panel discussion, featuring representatives from NGOs, government ministries, research farms, and university professors, aimed to explore solutions to climate threats in Bangladesh’s coastal areas.
According to the report, gender-based violence, particularly sexual harassment, is rampant in disaster-prone regions, leading to long-term physical and mental trauma for women and girls. Poverty (73.4%) and income loss (68%) were identified as major drivers of gender-based violence, with Satkhira having the highest rate of intimate partner violence.
Research-based organization Centre for Participatory Research and Development’s Chief Executive, Md Shamsuddoha, emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from reduced human death loss to raising awareness of rights among those seeking shelter in cyclone-prone areas.
The report also highlighted challenges in accessing timely medical treatment during disasters, with 74.1% of people in remote coastal areas lacking proper care, and hospitals closing 70% of the time during natural disasters. The symposium, moderated by Shabira Sultana Nupur, Head of Advocacy and Communication at IRC, facilitated a comprehensive panel discussion to address these critical issues.
