Remal’s Impact on Women of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a densely populated nation with a high disaster risk, faces a unique challenge: women are disproportionately affected by cyclones. While cyclone shelters and preparedness campaigns have reduced casualties, social norms often hinder women's ability to evacuate to shelters and safe places. Conservative social norms, including purdah (seclusion), and the responsibility of caring for family can lead to delayed evacuation for women. This exposes them to greater danger in disasters.

Women, girls, and vulnerable populations in shelters face severe discomfort and insecurity due to overcrowding, lack of gender segregation, inadequate lighting, and insufficient latrine facilities. These conditions heightened their risk of gender-based violence and exploitation, significantly impacting their well-being and safety during Cyclone Remal​.

Beyond evacuation, women in shelters face additional difficulties. Lack of separate sanitation facilities, limited space for livestock, and unfair distribution of aid create practical hardships. These issues, compounded by a lack of voice and decision-making power, amplify women's vulnerability during disasters.

Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh on May 26, 2024, impacting a staggering 4.6 million people. This devastating storm slammed into the country near the India-Bangladesh border, heavily impacting the Southwest coastal districts. Remal's wrath caused widespread damage and disruption, leaving many vulnerable. 

The Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Working Group, co-chaired by UN Women, rapidly mobilized partners to draft the Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) following Cyclone Remal. Despite facing power outages and challenging conditions, local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) played a critical role by continuously sending vital information and data, ensuring a comprehensive and timely analysis of the cyclone's impacts on women, girls, and vulnerable populations​. 

This story highlights the plight of two women from the affected population.

Rahima Khatun, Satkhira

Rahima is a day laborer from Datina Khali village, Burigoalini Union, Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira. She is solely responsible for raising her 18-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. Her husband abandoned the family following the birth of their daughter.

When Cyclone Remal struck, Rahima was alone with her daughter. She sought refuge in the nearby mosque when she was advised to evacuate due to the ominous weather. Her house was destroyed shortly after her departure. Rahima was forced to move to her mother's house, after spending the night in the mosque.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Rahima stated, “I did not receive any food or help. My daughter was inconsolable with hunger while we were at the mosque. I need a house so that I can live safely with my children and continue my work to provide for them.”

Sarjina Begum, Khulna

In the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, 40-year-old Sarjina Begum, from Naopara, Chalnabazar, Khulna, is struggling. 

Sarjina was abandoned by her husband. Her family was unable to support her because of poverty. She was thus forced to marry her two daughters off. Her son is currently a student of Class V at the Chalna Bazar Government Primary School. She survives on a monthly income of 1700BDT, by working as a day laborer and as a house-help in her neighborhood.

Sarjina Begum aspired for her son to be well-educated and secure a job. But all those dreams were shattered by Remal.

On 26 May night, she sought refuge with her son at a school building. But, in the meantime, the tidal surge inundated her home, which was unfortunately on the edge of a canal. She is now left alone and helpless: unsure of how to survive and manage her son's upbringing. 

Upon returning from the shelter, Sarjina Begum is forced to live in her damaged home. She has no household items but a single bed. Sarjina needs support to repair her house and food assistance for her family’s well-being.

Despite her struggles, Sarajina has not given up and is determined to rebuild her life. She has not yet received any relief assistance, forcing her to borrow money and seek work as a day laborer. 

These stories showcase how Bangladesh's disaster preparedness needs to address gender inequalities in such crisis. We need to fund and empower women through education, economic opportunities, and participation in decision-making to help ensure women’s safety and well-being during cyclones and other natural disasters.

This story has been co-written by:

Dilruba Haider, Programme Specialist Climate Change, DRR & Humanitarian Action, UN Women

Maud Aba’a, Project Officer - Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation & Humanitarian Action, UN Women

 Jannatul Mawa, Executive Director, Bindu Nari Unnyan Shongothon

Lipika Rani, Bairagi, Executive Director, Association for Social Development & Distressed Welfare