ROLE OF WOMEN IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION: A STUDY IN DISASTER PRONE COASTAL AREAS OF SHAYAMNAGAR UPAZILA, SHATKHIRA

Abstract

Women play a crucial role in disaster preparedness in their families and communities which makes their family and society resilient, but the role of women in the disaster risk reduction issues are not acknowledged largely. The objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the role of women in disaster risk reduction and early action in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Present study followed a qualitative approach and apply Case study, grounded theory, and other related methods. It covers two south-western coastal villages under Shatkhira district of Bangladesh because of their unique features. Ten female villagers who are residing in the study villages, five from each was selected for the Case Studies. Secondly, 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, five from each village and with 12 participants in each group. Thirdly, four Key Informants Interviews (KIIs) were administered with the local UNO, Chairman of UP, local female schoolteacher, and NGO female representative. In this study, observation, interview, discussion and document analysis etc. were followed as data collection techniques. Despite being severely vulnerable in disasters, women’s constant contributions in the various stages of disaster and emergency management are evident which need to be properly recognized and documented. Considering the active role of women in their family and community in disaster risk reduction, women in disaster-affected coastal areas should be empowered to take on a bigger role in disaster risk reduction and decision-making processes at different levels through appropriate training, capacity building and access to information and resources.