Women’s leadership imperative for climate resilience
A workshop titled “Women’s Leadership for Climate Resilience: Building a Sustainable and Climate-Just Future” was held on 14 November 2026 at the Training Centre of Nari Unnayan Shakti (NUS) in Banasree, Dhaka, as a joint initiative of Nari Unnayan Shakti and Young Women for Development Rights and Climate (YWDRC). The workshop was supported by Global Workforce Services and the Forum for Culture and Human Development (FCHD).
The workshop was chaired by Dr Afroja Parvin, Executive Director of Nari Unnayan Shakti. The keynote paper was presented by Nusrat Sultana Afroj, Executive Chairperson of Young Women for Development Rights and Climate.
The workshop speakers were Ms. Jarin Tasnim, Member of SheLeads; Abdul Momin, Executive Member of the Forum for Culture and Human Development; and Selina Khatun, Field Officer of Global Workforce Services. Hasnat Jahan Hasi and Josna Khatun shared their lived experiences and perspectives on behalf of communities affected by climate change.
The workshop focused on the escalating impacts of climate change in Bangladesh and its disproportionate consequences for women and other vulnerable groups. Particular attention was given to floods, cyclones, river erosion, extreme heat, increasing salinity, displacement, livelihood insecurity, health risks, and violence against women and children.
Participants highlighted that low-income households and women living in disaster-prone areas are experiencing disproportionately severe impacts of climate change. At the same time, women are playing a critical role in responding to climate-related challenges and strengthening the resilience of local communities.
The participants put forward the following recommendations to the Government of Bangladesh:
1. Ensure women’s meaningful leadership and participation in the formulation and implementation of climate policies at both national and local levels.
2. Ensure accessible and equitable climate financing for women-led organizations and communities adversely affected by climate change.
3. Provide alternative livelihood opportunities, skills development training, and financial assistance to women whose livelihoods have been affected by climate change.
4. Ensure safe shelters, essential health services, adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and protection mechanisms for women and children during disasters.
5. Ensure effective rehabilitation, resettlement, and social protection for families displaced by climate change.
6. Integrate measures to prevent violence against women and children into disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation programmes.
7. Expand opportunities for renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and environmentally sustainable employment.
8. Recognize and meaningfully engage grassroots women-led non-governmental organizations as effective partners in climate adaptation and resilience-building initiatives.
9. Ensure transparency, accountability, and gender-responsive budget allocations in climate financing.
In conclusion, the workshop called for stronger government action, adequate and sustained financing, and enhanced coordination and partnership among government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.
The central message of the workshop was:
“Women will not merely survive the impacts of climate change; they will lead the transformative process of building a sustainable and climate-resilient Bangladesh.”