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AS BANGLADESH faces another catastrophic flood, the devastating impacts on the nation’s environment and economy are undeniable. However, equally crucial, though less visible, are the gendered impacts of these disasters, particularly on women and girls. The current floods, which have displaced millions, destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods across the country, have worsened deep-seated gender disparities, highlighting women’s unique vulnerabilities in such crises.

Natural disasters like floods do not affect everyone equally in Bangladesh. Women, who already confront significant societal inequities, are often the most vulnerable during such crises. Like others, the recent floods have illustrated how gendered vulnerabilities manifest. In many flood-affected areas, women and girls are often the last to evacuate their homes, shouldering the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly and the sick. This delay in evacuation not only increases their risk of injury or death but also exposes them to chaotic and unsafe conditions. The aftermath of these floods forced thousands of women and girls into overcrowded and poorly equipped temporary shelters. While these shelters are necessary for survival, they often lack basic facilities to ensure women’s safety and dignity. The absence of separate toilets and bathing areas compromises privacy and increases gender-based violence risk, including sexual harassment and assault. Additionally, inadequate lighting and security measures worsen these risks, turning what should be a refuge into a potential danger zone.

Infrastructure destruction and loss of livelihoods also disproportionately affect women. Rural Bangladesh relies on agriculture for its income — a sector severely impacted by floods. With crops destroyed and livestock lost, these women face economic insecurity. This can lead to increased dependence on male family members or push them into exploitative work conditions. Floodwaters have washed away homes and stripped women of financial independence, plunging them further into poverty. Economic vulnerability often forces women into precarious situations where they are more susceptible to exploitation. Without financial independence, women have less autonomy over their lives and are more likely to be trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence. Floods have deepened gender disparities by destroying livelihoods and limiting economic opportunities.

In Bangladesh, where many women and girls traditionally use damp cloths during menstruation, flood health risks become even more acute. The current flood crisis has severely disrupted access to clean water, making it nearly impossible to dry and maintain hygiene. With markets, pharmacies and supply chains disrupted, obtaining sanitary pads has become a significant challenge. This has forced many to rely on damp cloths, which can lead to serious health issues. The lack of access to sanitary products during floods is not a matter of convenience — it is a significant health risk. Using damp cloths, especially in unsanitary conditions without proper drying, can lead to infections and other serious health complications. These risks are heightened in overcrowded shelters, where privacy and access to clean water are scarce. The inability to manage menstrual hygiene properly affects women’s health and dignity, exacerbating an already stressful situation. Addressing this critical issue requires urgent action from both the government and NGOs. The distribution of sanitary pads and other essential hygiene products in flood-affected areas is crucial. These essentials will safeguard women’s health, prevent infections and protect their dignity. To mitigate the adverse effects of the flood on women’s health, clean water and safe spaces for hygiene management are important.

Stress brought on by natural disasters can also lead to domestic violence, a risk that has become more pronounced during the current floods. The loss of homes, livelihoods and an overall sense of security can lead to heightened tensions within households, often resulting in violence against women and girls. In many cases, confined spaces at temporary shelters and a lack of privacy and security can further exacerbate these risks. Preventing domestic violence in disaster-stricken areas requires a comprehensive approach that includes physical security and access to support services. NGOs and local authorities must work together to establish safe spaces for women in shelters. They must also access counselling and legal support if needed. Additionally, awareness campaigns about domestic violence risks and the availability of support services must be intensified during and after disasters.

The current flood crisis is a stark reminder of how climate change intersects with gender inequality. As climate change intensifies, so do women’s challenges in Bangladesh. Rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are expected to increase floods, cyclones and other natural disasters. These conditions exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, trapping women in a cycle of risk and hardship. Research indicates that women are more likely to suffer from climate change and natural disasters. This is due to their limited access to resources, decision-making processes and social protection. In a society where gender norms restrict women’s mobility and economic participation, these disasters multiply inequality. This deepens the divide and makes it even harder for women to recover and rebuild their lives.

The ongoing flood crisis underscores the urgent need for governments and non-governmental organisations to take proactive measures to protect women and girls in disaster-prone areas. The government must prioritise women’s safety and well-being in disaster management strategies. This means ensuring that emergency shelters are equipped with separate facilities for women, adequate lighting, and security personnel to prevent violence. Moreover, specific attention must be given to distributing sanitary pads and other essential hygiene products to women and girls in flood-affected areas. These products are not luxuries but necessities in any comprehensive relief effort. NGOs are crucial in raising awareness about women’s needs during disasters and advocating for gender-sensitive policies. These organisations should focus on providing targeted support to women, such as livelihood training programmes that empower them to rebuild their lives post-disaster. Access to health services, including mental health care and support services for domestic violence victims, is also essential. These services must be prioritised in immediate relief and long-term recovery plans. Besides, the international community should also support Bangladesh during this crisis. Global organisations can ensure that women’s needs are not overlooked in disaster response and recovery efforts by providing financial aid, technical assistance and policy support. Moreover, by advocating for gender-sensitive approaches to disaster management, the international community can help create a more equitable and resilient future for Bangladesh.

The devastating floods in Bangladesh have highlighted the urgent need to address gendered natural disaster dimensions. Women and girls face unique challenges requiring immediate and targeted interventions from the government and NGOs. By focusing on women’s safety, well-being, and empowerment, Bangladesh can build a more resilient and equitable society that is better equipped to face future natural disasters. This flood crisis reminds us of the intersection between natural disasters and gender inequality. By addressing these underlying disparities, Bangladesh can take significant steps towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the wake of climate change and its devastating impacts. The time for action is now, and it must include a focus on essential hygiene products and robust support services to prevent domestic violence, ensuring that women’s and girls’ rights and needs are at the forefront of disaster response efforts.

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Dr Anita Jahid is an academic and researcher, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia.