On October 7, 2024, in Dhaka, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the severe impact of climate change on women, particularly mothers, during her address at the Annual Community of Practice Network Convention. She highlighted the specific struggles faced by women in regions like Khulna, including clean water scarcity and health issues. Rizwana underscored the need for regional cooperation and criticized developed nations for failing to deliver promised financial support, while recognizing notable women-led climate adaptation initiatives.
On October 7, 2024, in Dhaka, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan delivered poignant remarks regarding the severe impact of climate change on women, particularly highlighting the struggles faced by mothers amid natural disasters. Speaking at the ‘Annual Community of Practice Network Convention 2024’ hosted by the Manusher Jonno Foundation, she stated, “Women, as primary caregivers, are responsible for putting food on the table for their children daily. This is why, during any disaster or climate change event, challenges faced by the women are the greatest.” Adviser Rizwana elaborated on specific difficulties encountered by women in regions such as Khulna, noting the acute scarcity of clean water. This scarcity has led many women to resort to birth control pills to manage menstruation cycles. Furthermore, she shed light on the health issues that arise during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, which are exacerbated by saline water exposure. Despite the apparent abundance of water, a critical shortage of safe drinking water persists, affecting the well-being of women and their families. The event, which received support from UN Women, convened experts and advocates to discuss the intertwined issues of climate adaptation and gender equality. Rizwana also expressed concern regarding the public’s reluctance to recognize severe weather changes—such as heatwaves, floods, and other extreme phenomena—as direct effects of climate change. During her address, she emphasized the necessity for regional collaboration in combating climate challenges, stating, “Next month, all countries will gather to discuss how to support nations affected by climate change. Developed countries burn more fossil fuels, and yet they have failed to deliver the promised funds to the affected nations through the Loss and Damage Fund. Developed nations talk big but fail to provide the necessary financial support. However, Sweden has been an exception.” Additionally, Rizwana honored five remarkable women-led initiatives aimed at adapting to climate change during the convention, which was chaired by MJF executive director Shaheen Anam.
The discussion surrounding the impact of climate change on women is increasingly relevant, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. Women often serve as the primary caregivers and are primarily responsible for maintaining household food security. As climate disasters become more frequent and severe, the responsibilities placed on women become more burdensome. Moreover, issues such as water scarcity and health risks due to environmental changes underscore the vulnerabilities that women face. Understanding the critical role of gender in climate adaptation efforts is essential for creating effective strategies and securing necessary support from the international community.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s statements at the Annual Community of Practice Network Convention underline the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly in Bangladesh. She highlighted that women’s roles as primary caregivers expose them to significant hardships during times of crisis. The need for regional cooperation and increased support from developed nations is crucial to address these challenges effectively. Recognizing the vital contributions of women in climate adaptation initiatives is essential for fostering resilience in the face of climate change.
Original Source: asianews.network
