Civil society urges enhanced protection for women during disasters amid rising challenges
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The country’s civil society organisations (CSOs) issued an urgent appeal for the protection of women during disasters, emphasising the importance of physical, mental, and reproductive healthcare.
During a virtual press conference organised by the National Committee for the Observation of International Rural Women’s Day, speakers highlighted the disproportionate challenges faced by women before, during, and after disasters.
The event was chaired by Shamima Akhtar, Chairperson of the National Committee, and moderated by Ferdous Ara Rumee, the committee's Secretariat Coordinator.
Committee members, including Mothura Tripura (Khagrachari), Tofazzal Sohel (Hobiganj), Sayed (Bogra), Md. Khalilur Rahman (Jhalokathi), Aynun Nahar (Mymensingh), Rotna Borman (Khulna), Firoza Begum (Lalmonirhat), Jafrul Alam (Chapainawabganj), Swarna (BNNRC), and Mustafa Kamal Akand (Coast Foundation), also shared their insights during the event.
Khadijatul Kubra delivered the keynote address, revealing that over 5.1 million people have been affected by this year’s floods in eastern Bangladesh, with women and children suffering the most. The lack of clean water, sanitary items, and adequate shelter has particularly impacted pregnant women and those menstruating.
Mothura Tripura noted a rising abortion rate in flood-affected areas due to malnutrition and inadequate reproductive care. The speakers called for the establishment of women-friendly disaster response systems that include mental health services, reproductive healthcare, and menstrual health support.
Ferdous Ara Rumee emphasised the need for comprehensive awareness programmes focused on women’s health during disasters.
Mustafa Kamal Akand, representing the organising committee, urged the government to implement effective programmes to protect women’s health and dignity in future disaster relief efforts.
Celebrations for International Rural Women's Day were held across 50 districts, honouring the contributions of rural women in the face of adversity, according to the organisers.