Landscape Analysis of Community Resilience to Disasters By Addressing Sexual and Reproductive
Health and Rights in Gaibandha and Satkhira Districts
Landscape Analysis of Community Resilience to Disasters By Addressing Sexual and Reproductive
Health and Rights in Gaibandha and Satkhira Districts
Friday, 11 July 2025: 09:45
Location: ASJE024 (Annex of the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences)
Oral Presentation
Background: Bangladesh, particularly its Gaibandha and Satkhira Districts, presents a compelling case study for the
urgent and profound implications of climate change (CC) on maternal and child health. This research explores the
community's resilience to disasters, specifically focusing on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the
vulnerable population affected by these calamities.
Methods: This research, unique in its focus on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the vulnerable
population, employed a mixed-method approach. It involved 645 married women aged 18-49, who are particularly
vulnerable to CC. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also conducted among healthcare providers managing
disasters and providing disaster-related support, as well as with individuals, especially young males and females, who
voluntarily offer different types of support during disasters.
Results: Respondents face frequent exposure to various disasters, including floods, riverbank erosion, cyclones, tidal
waves, water logging, and water salinity, making their socioeconomic conditions highly vulnerable. In Gaibandha,
nearly 87.0% of households have experienced displacement within the last five years. Natural disasters affect the
respondents' physical, mental, and SRHS health. The findings reveal that disasters lead to socioeconomic
disadvantages and food insecurity and create barriers to SRHS for girls and women seeking ANC/PNC during
disasters.
Conclusions: The multifaceted impact of families' vulnerability to CC is urgent and cannot be overstated. They are
compelled to use their primary resources for shelter, food, and livelihood rebuilding, which has a detrimental effect on
SRHS, MCH services, and Newborn care. The findings underscore the pressing need for intensive attention to
managing livelihoods and MCHS in disaster-prone areas.
urgent and profound implications of climate change (CC) on maternal and child health. This research explores the
community's resilience to disasters, specifically focusing on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the
vulnerable population affected by these calamities.
Methods: This research, unique in its focus on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the vulnerable
population, employed a mixed-method approach. It involved 645 married women aged 18-49, who are particularly
vulnerable to CC. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also conducted among healthcare providers managing
disasters and providing disaster-related support, as well as with individuals, especially young males and females, who
voluntarily offer different types of support during disasters.
Results: Respondents face frequent exposure to various disasters, including floods, riverbank erosion, cyclones, tidal
waves, water logging, and water salinity, making their socioeconomic conditions highly vulnerable. In Gaibandha,
nearly 87.0% of households have experienced displacement within the last five years. Natural disasters affect the
respondents' physical, mental, and SRHS health. The findings reveal that disasters lead to socioeconomic
disadvantages and food insecurity and create barriers to SRHS for girls and women seeking ANC/PNC during
disasters.
Conclusions: The multifaceted impact of families' vulnerability to CC is urgent and cannot be overstated. They are
compelled to use their primary resources for shelter, food, and livelihood rebuilding, which has a detrimental effect on
SRHS, MCH services, and Newborn care. The findings underscore the pressing need for intensive attention to
managing livelihoods and MCHS in disaster-prone areas.