DHAKA — In a critical move to combat the multifaceted climate crises and rising salinity threatening Bangladesh’s coastal belt, a comprehensive set of integrated livelihood plans and guidelines has been officially finalized to protect and empower vulnerable women.
These strategic tools were showcased at a validation workshop titled “Resilient Futures: Gender-Responsive Livelihood Materials and Climate Pathways” in Dhaka on April 6. The initiative is a core component of the “Gender-responsive Coastal Adaptation (GCA)” project, a specialized effort currently being implemented across five upazilas in Khulna and Satkhira to dramatically enhance the adaptive capacities of coastal communities.
The newly validated knowledge products include a specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) curriculum, a scenario-based, gender-responsive livelihood toolkit, a technical brief, and a comprehensive report forecasting climate impacts up to the year 2050. Field-level stakeholders provided vital feedback during the session to ensure these resources are highly practical and context-specific.
Addressing the workshop as the chief guest, Zinat Ara, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Women Affairs, underscored the government’s absolute dedication to the cause:
“Enhancing the adaptation capacity of coastal communities is our priority. The materials and roadmaps approved today will play a crucial role in helping coastal women survive adverse environments and fostering their empowerment,” she said.
This sweeping project represents a collaborative powerhouse. It is implemented jointly by the Department of Women Affairs (DWA) and the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. The validation workshop was organized by the Institute of Professional Training and Management (IPTM), drawing on vital technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) alongside the Government of Bangladesh.
Highlighting the global significance of the work, UNDP’s Head of the Resilience and Inclusive Growth Cluster noted that this project serves as a prime example of Bangladesh’s pioneering leadership in global climate adaptation efforts.
Chaired by Abdul Hye Al Mahmud, Additional Secretary at the DWA and National Project Director, the event brought together government leaders, development partners, and local stakeholders. By finalizing these forward-looking tools, attendees expressed deep optimism that this roadmap will secure sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods and long-term economic stability for women navigating the harsh realities of the country’s salt-prone coastal regions.
