Vulnerability Assessment of Women and Children due to the Jamuna Riverbank Erosion: A Study of Kastapara Village of Bhuapur Upazila, Tangail

Abstract

Bangladesh faces frequent natural disaster, including cyclone, storms, droughts, thunderstorms, earthquakes, landslides, floods and riverbank erosion, which occur almost annually. Among these, riverbank erosion stands out as one of the most frequent and destructive phenomena, often linked to flood occurrences. This disaster causes significant destruction, displacing people from their homes, destroying infrastructure, agricultural land, crops and essential belongings. Bangladesh predominantly a patriarchal society, where men typically act as the primary earners and head of households. In this patrichal structure, crucial decisions regarding a family’s and women’s life such as education, participation in economic activities, marriage and family planning are usually made by male family members. Women’s role are often limited to biological reproduction, caregiving and managing household chores. Women are also continue to lag behind due to lack of security. Incidents of violence and harassment against women as well as children have become alarmingly frequent in Bangladesh. Because of these harassment women and children faces difficulties due to any disaster as well as riverbank erosion. This study examines the erosion induced vulnerabilities of women and children in kastapara village, under Bhuapur upazila, Tangail district. The study also attempts to find out their survival and copping strategies during and after riverbank erosion. In this study, primary data collected through questionnaire survey has been used to determine the vulnerability. Sample size has been calculated using Cochran’s modified formula for known population. All respondents are women. A total of 230 questionnaire survey has been conducted using purposive sampling techniques. Collected data systematically arranged and entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (Excel 13), which served as the foundation for subsequent analyses. To further process and summarize the data, statistical analysis software SPSS (16.0) was utilized. Microsoft Word (2013) was used for documenting findings and creating written reports. Furthermore, GIS software (10.1) was used to prepare maps. Secondary information was sourced from a wide range of published and unpublished materials, including documents from government and non-government organizations such as BWBD, LGED and CEGIS. Additional vii resources include local government offices, Dhaka University’s libraries and online materials like reports, articles, books and news outlets have also been used. An indicator-based approach has been employed for vulnerability assessment, utilizing the Riverbank Erosion Vulnerability index (REVI) to evaluate the vulnerability of women and children in the study area. The formulation of REVI incorporates multiple variables grouped under eight parameters and three dimensions. The study reveals that most villagers face annual floods and riverbank erosion. The results indicates that, while the overall vulnerability of women and children in this region is relatively low, individual index value for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity suggest high to moderate vulnerability. Women, in particular, faces different types of difficulties. Furthermore, those who seek shelter in temporary accommodations often experience physical and psychological violence and distress. Women have little to no understanding of challenges associated with erosion, and their vulnerability is intensified by insufficient support from the government and other organizations. No prior studies in this area have assessed women’s and children’s vulnerability using an index-based formula. Therefore, I focused on analyzing the vulnerabilities of both women and children in this region. This study focuses on identifying the vulnerabilities of women and children to aid researchers and planners in creating targeted initiatives and policies, ultimately aiming to enhance their lives and promote a supportive and inclusive environment.