Intersecting Vulnerabilities: Unraveling the Complex Relationship between Women, Climate Change, and Mental Health in Bangladeshi Communities

Abstract

AbstractClimate change is one of the biggest challenges that humanity is facing in the 21st century, and its impact is being felt all over the world. It is well documented that the impacts of climate change have a significant effect on human health, including mental health. This paper focuses on the gender effect of climate impacts on mental health based on qualitative study conducted in two fragile communities in Bangladesh. This study was conducted using qualitative methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The study was carried out in two fragile communities in Bangladesh, which were selected based on their vulnerability to climate change impacts. The participants were selected using snowball sampling. A total of 59 interviews and 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Climate change impacts have a significant effect on mental health in both men and women. However, there are gender differences in the experience of climate change impacts on mental health. Women are more vulnerable to climate change impacts on mental health due to their gender roles and responsibilities. Responsible for taking care of their families, they have to face additional challenges due to climate change impacts, such as increased workload, water scarcity, and food insecurity, social insecurity as many of their husband migrates to the cities for jobs. Women also face social and cultural barriers, which exacerbates their vulnerability to climate change impacts on mental health. Men, on the other hand, face challenges related to their livelihoods and economic security due to climate change impacts. This study highlights the gender differences in the experience of climate change impacts on mental health in two fragile communities in Bangladesh. Socioeconomic and environmental determinants appear to be embedded and lead to psychological suffering in relation to social roles and gender norms. Interventions should be designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in these communities. Policymakers should take a gender-sensitive approach to address the mental health impacts of climate change in these communities. This study contributes to the growing body of research on the gendered impacts of climate change with a trajectory approach and provides insights for future research in this area.