Assessment of Gender Vulnerability in Coastal Bangladesh

Bangladesh, one of the countries which have been significantly affected by natural disasters, is already vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious, water borne and other types of diseases. This study was an attempt to investigate Gender vulnerability of the disaster in south western region of flangladesh. Study had three objectives, these were: to assess the degree of gender vulnerability of women in coastal, to identify factors responsible for gender vulnerability in coastal, to examine the relationship between gender vulnerability and various socio economic dimensions. In order to understand the vulnerability of women in coastal area the study relies on the feminist theory, social dominance and social vulnerability theory Following survey and case study methods, the study was carried out Nalian village in Sutarkhali union of Dacope Upazila under Khulna District. Being an explanatory study. 143 respondents were selected by simple random sampling. The result from the study described that most the women of this area were illiterate and have very poor education which leads them lower occupational status as well as lower income level. Majority of the respondents (52.4%) were thatched house with katcha and 26.6 percent respondents were domestic maid, 39.9 percent respondents worked for living. The study showed 27.3 percent respondents always faced gender discrimination in work place and 55.2 percent respondents faced sexual harassment in shelter place. Among them 29.4 percent respondents took one time meal during disaster and 42.7 percent respondents took three time meals per day during disaster. In the study 39.9 percent respondents collected drinking water from pond and 44.8 percent were always suffering diseases during disaster. The study, however, identified some association between Income of the respondents and types of health services (p< 038), type of living place (p < .000). types of living place (p<.000). Due to disaster in coastal region women are supposed to be the most vulnerable for many causes namely their vulnerability, mental attitude, physical structure and other social issues. There exists a lot of problems and lacking in disaster management. So, GOs and NGOs should initiate programs on water supply, sanitation, hygienic practices, and proper medical facilities for vulnerable women in this area for their better condition

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