http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/308 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 02:02:14 GMT 2026-08-26T02:02:14Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4872 Social Capital and Its Impact on Socio-Economic Development and Vulnerability Reduction of Female Workers in Bangladesh: A Study on Readymade Garments Industry Rakib, Md. Abdur The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector plays a significant role in the socio-economic transformation of women in Bangladesh. This study examines the influence of social capital on socio-economic empowerment and vulnerability reduction among female garment workers. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data, qualitative case studies, and Key Informant Interviews (KII) to provide a comprehensive understanding of structural, relational, and cognitive dimensions of social capital and their impacts on workers’ empowerment and vulnerability status. The quantitative findings reveal that structural social capital among female garment workers is strongly developed, particularly in terms of workplace communication, information sharing, and institutional connections. However, participation in formal organizations such as labour unions and welfare groups remains comparatively weak. Relational social capital shows high levels of trust, cooperation, and mutual support among workers, especially at the peer level, although trust in management varies across factories. Cognitive social capital reflects shared values, teamwork, and sense of belonging, but emotional attachment and organizational concern are comparatively less consistent. The quantitative results also indicate moderate to high socio-economic empowerment, particularly in income, mobility, decision-making ability, and social recognition. However, financial stability, savings, and long-term economic security remain limited. Vulnerability levels are generally low to moderate, although workload pressure, forced overtime, and job insecurity persist as major challenges. The qualitative case study findings further support the positive role of social capital in enhancing socio-economic empowerment. Structural social capital shows the strongest influence through workplace networks, participation, and access to support systems. Relational social capital contributes to trust, cooperation, and emotional support, while cognitive social capital strengthens shared understanding and teamwork. Despite these positive outcomes, empowerment remains uneven due to management practices, workload pressure, communication gaps, and limited recognition. Vulnerability reduction is partial, with improvements in workplace safety, communication, and support systems, but continued risks related to job insecurity and excessive workload. xiv | P a g e The Key Informant Interview (KII) findings also indicate moderate socio-economic empowerment among female workers. Improvements are observed in living conditions, healthcare access, educational support, skill development, and decision-making ability. However, challenges such as low wages, limited savings, poor housing conditions, and social stigma remain. The KII results further show that structural social capital demonstrates the highest positive influence, followed by relational social capital, while cognitive social capital remains comparatively weaker. In terms of vulnerability, improved safety measures, institutional support, and cooperative workplace relationships contribute to reduced risks. Nevertheless, heavy workload, verbal abuse, employment insecurity, and inconsistent management practices continue to affect workers’ wellbeing. Overall, the study concludes that social capital significantly contributes to the socio-economic empowerment and vulnerability reduction of female RMG workers in Bangladesh. Structural social capital plays the most prominent role, followed by relational and cognitive dimensions. While employment in the RMG sector enhances women’s income, confidence, mobility, and social status, full empowerment is constrained by economic instability and workplace pressures. Strengthening workplace relationships, improving management practices, expanding participation opportunities, and ensuring fair working conditions are essential for enhancing social capital and achieving sustainable empowerment and vulnerability reduction among female garment workers. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4872 2026-08-06T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4839 Gender and Climate Change: Inclusive Disaster Risk Management in Coastal Bangladesh Shamim, Ishrat Climate-induced disasters pose significant threats to vulnerable and marginalized populations in Bangladesh, particularly in disaster-prone coastal regions. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of community level perceptions, lived experiences, and coping strategies related to climate change and recurring disasters in Satkhira district. Through qualitative and quantitative data gathered from intersectional group such as elderly men and women, men and women heads of households, widows and widowers, men and women with disabilities, the research illustrates a deeply rooted understanding of climate and environmental change, despite limited or no access to institutional knowledge and services. Respondents identified multiple manifestations of climate change such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, salinity intrusion, cyclones, tidal surges, and thunderstorms, all of which they associated with both environmental and anthropogenic causes such as deforestation, shrimp farming, and unregulated brick kiln activities. There was widespread consensus that human activities significantly contribute to environmental degradation, further intensifying the frequency and severity of disasters. Communities particularly noted salinity intrusion and frequent cyclones as recurring and destructive forces that disrupt health, food security, livelihoods, and water and sanitation systems. The impacts of climate induced disasters were gendered and intersectional. Elderly people, children, persons with disabilities, and women, especially widows faced disproportionately higher risks. Disasters resulted in mental health issues, loss of employment, food insecurity, livestock deaths, and deteriorating access to clean water. Gender-based violence was reported to increase during crises, particularly in shelters, revealing systemic safety and privacy issues. Respondents described unequal food distribution within households during and after disasters, with women and girls often receiving less food compared to men and boys. Despite these challenges, communities demonstrated significant resilience. Disaster preparedness was evident across all groups, but varied in intensity. Coping strategies included storing dry food, saving money, and borrowing from relatives or lenders, though widows often lacked access to these support systems. While men frequently sought wage labour during post-disaster, women engaged in poultry farming, homestead gardening, and limited agricultural labour, but faced barriers in securing viable livelihood options. Water was primarily sourced from ponds or pressure sand filters; however, salinity and distance to portable water remained persistent issues. Effective early warning mechanisms included mosque announcements, community miking, and mobile alerts, though access and awareness remained uneven. While government and NGOs provided essential post-disaster support such as food, water, and shelter, these efforts were not always sufficient or equitably distributed. The study is distinctive from other previous studies as it has combined Intersectionality and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles into the Progression of Vulnerability, where disaster risk is reframed not as a natural inevitability but as the outcome of inequality. This integrated framework exposes how identity-based exclusions shape root causes, pressures, unsafe conditions, and capacities, while also highlighting the need for reforms. Integrating Intersectionality and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into the Progression of Vulnerability reframes and ultimately transforms Disaster Risk Management (DRM) into a xvi pathway for equity, empowerment, and social justice. The study used this inclusive model which links vulnerability to systemic exclusion and drives justice oriented, equitable resilience ensuring that no one is left behind in building resilience to disasters and climate change. Based on the findings, the study proposes a comprehensive set of policy recommendations rooted in community needs and capacities. These include the promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods such as salinity tolerant crops, small-scale animal husbandry, and eco-friendly enterprises targeted especially at women and marginalized households. Strengthening mobile health units, community mental health services, and nutritional programmes for women and children is critical for improving post-disaster recovery. To address gender and social inclusion issues, the establishment of safe spaces in shelters, confidential reporting mechanisms, and the training of local responders is vital. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions should include deep tube wells, rainwater harvesting systems, and the construction of mobile sanitary toilets. The policy framework also recommends enhanced community-based disaster preparedness trainings, localized early warning dissemination, and school-based evacuation drills to improve risk reduction. Long term climate adaptation and ecological restoration efforts such as embankment construction, mangrove reforestation, and regulating brick kiln emissions are essential. Migration management must prioritize displaced families through comprehensive data systems, urban livelihood programmes, and temporary shelters with adequate facilities. Finally, inclusive governance is emphasized through the participation of women and intersectional groups in disaster management committees, community monitoring mechanisms, and partnerships with local NGOs and youth. The study concludes that a multi-sectoral, gender-responsive, and community-led intersectional policy approach is essential to build long term resilience in coastal Bangladesh. Addressing structural inequalities and amplifying marginalized voices, especially women and widows are central to ensuring equitable, just, and sustainable recovery pathways in the face of ongoing climate threats. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4839 2026-08-02T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4081 Exploring the Effects of Cyclonic Disasters on Socio-Economic, Public Health and Health Care System in South West Coastal Bangladesh Rahman, Md. Sadequr Due to the geo-morphological and meteorological characteristics, Bangladesh tends to susceptible of several types of natural disasters like cyclone, tidal surge, coastal flooding, and salinity intrusion with the increasing of severity and frequency of cyclonic disasters and resulting in massive losses of life, damage to property, disruptions of livelihoods, economic activities and health hazards. This study aims to analyze the severity of socio-economic and health impact of cyclonic disasters on the coastal community of south west Bangladesh, but impacts differently. To gather information for this study, a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative research approaches, including 840 questionnaire survey, 82 case studies, 68 Key Informants Interviews (KII), and 08 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) have been conducted from Satkhira and Khulna district of Khulna division, and Bhola and Barguna district of Barishal division. Multi-stages stratified sampling has been used in this study. Data has been collected from the women, pregnant women, adolescent girls, aged, elderly, physically challenged people, fisherman, marginal farmers, day laborers, mawali or honey collectors, bawali or wood cutters, golpata collectors, medicinal plant collectors, fish fry collectors, crab collectors, bede community, chunery or oyster and snail collectors, riders and other vulnerable or destitute of the southern the coastal community. The community people of these areas depend on mangrove forest resources and river or sea- based water resources for their livelihood. In addition, certain information came from secondary sources. Through SPSS 22, Pearson Chi Square (χ2) tests and some descriptive statistics has been performed in this study. This study investigates the socio-economic and health effect of coastal cyclonic disasters on south west coastal community people in Bangladesh, particularly Shyamnagar and Ashashuni upazila in Satkhira district and Dacope and Koyra upazila in Khulna district of Khulna division, and Patharghata and Betagi upazila in Barguna district and Charfashion and Tajumuddin upazila in Bhola district of Barishal division., which are the most cyclonic disaster-prone area. Due to the cyclonic disasters, dwellings, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), several roads, culverts, embankments, agricultural fields, and educational establishments have been destroyed during the cyclone disaster. This catastrophe results in salinity intrusion, fresh water crises, alterative livelihood challenges, health, and sanitation and malnutrition problems. Many people have become homeless and now lead miserable and hopeless lives. Cyclonic disasters effect on the communities economic, social, physical, psychological, cultural, and health vulnerabilities which accounts for 100%, 89%, 13.9%, 96.9%, 6.8% and 97.5% vi respectively. Cyclonic disasters destructed the infrastructure, farmland, ruining the shelter and death of cattle. Cyclonic disasters disrupted social networks and communication, hindrances to children's movement, women's income, means of livelihood disruptions, educational institutions, increased mental health issues, waterborne diseases, skin ailments, and forced migration, increasing of crime rates, vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and gender-based vulnerabilities. It also creates the problem of WASH and potable water respectively. Cyclonic disasters disrupt the regularity of children education, children drop out from school, and tends to economic uncertainty. Physically disabled and aged people face transportation barriers, lack of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, sufficient toilet facilities, and lack of shelter facilities. Economic insecurity, food insecurity, lack of shelter, death risk, infrastructural losses, health risks, scarcity of safe drinking water, damage of standing crops, loss of fisheries, homestead/kitchen garden, threats to various livelihoods, and migration respectively due to cyclone and cyclone induced disasters. Workers suffer during cyclonic disasters, and also get low wages and salary, and health hazards due to cyclonic disasters. Food production and employment opportunity/income diversity, fisheries and domestic livestock sectors is threatened due to cyclonic disasters. The coastal community faced the mental depression, economic depression and social depression due to cyclonic disasters. The marginal community including adolescent girls, pregnant and breastfeeding women are not conscious and face difficulties in accessing proper and nutritious food during cyclonic disasters. Even, they do not get health rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Pregnant, breastfeeding, and menstruating women are at risk of health issues during and after disasters. Women face vulnerability and deprivation during disasters, such as limited access to healthcare due to distant health care center, and restricted roles in the informal sector due to unpaid work, patriarchal attitudes, lack of opportunities in decision-making, lack of opportunity in community decision making process, and lack of political empowerment etc. Women face the scarcity of suitable places for baby's breast feeding, for changing proper sanitary materials, do not get medical treatment, insufficient of healthcare access, inadequate of the essential medical goods and services, absent of hygienic facilities of women, lack of privacy and unavailability of separate toilets during and post disasters in cyclone shelters. About 91.3%, 89.6%, 88.4%, 87.9%, and 84.2% of the respondents mention that maternal and fetal complexity, miscarriage, changes in periodical vii cycle/time, preterm/ immature birth, maternal and prenatal death/ immature death, and child growth retardation are occurred due to salinity. About 96.7%, 95.8%, 95.6%, 95.1%, 92.7% and 65.2% of the respondents claim that they suffer various diseases like water and food borne diseases, mental, nutritional, infectious and other diseases, high rates of diseases, vector and rodent borne diseases, extreme weather events –related diseases and heat related illness and death in south west coastal Bangladesh due to cyclonic disasters. Fever, cold, bad headache, diarrhea, asthma/ breath taking problem, whooping cough and skin diseases of health risks are observed frequently. The community have indigenous knowledge about coping mechanism of disaster risk, response and risk reduction. Respondents get to know about upcoming disaster from miking of CPP volunteers, interpersonal communication, television and Facebook. They recover from damages of properties with their capacity from their own resources, NGO support, and government support respectively due to cyclonic disasters. The respondents emphasized empowering local communities, building disaster risk reduction skills, and establishing links between local communities and governments to mitigate disaster impacts. Cyclone centers, embankment, and sluice gate should be constructed. Access of safe drinking water, medical facilities, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) corner, and reforestation is needed to reduce the disaster risks. Public health and hygiene, public awareness, meeting and training, and preparedness program should be enriched to reduce the disaster risks. Government and NGOs provided social assistance program should be extended and maintained properly. In order to ensure efficient cyclone management and long-term physical growth, the dissertation provides some suggestions for improving the coastal communities by coordinating of ‘disaster risk reduction, adaptation, mitigation and resilient’ activities and executing future plans. Finally, this research has proposed some implications that might be helpful for policy making and further research regarding ‘cyclonic disasters’. Key words: Cyclone, flood, tidal surge, salinity intrusion, cyclonic disasters, social vulnerability, economic vulnerability, health care and services, health risks, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and disaster management. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4081 2025-04-13T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/3641 The socioeconomic impact of climate change assessing the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the coastal people in Bangladesh zaman, Farhana This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/3641 2025-02-16T00:00:00Z