The bustling fishing village of Patharghata upazilla, Borguna district of Barishal division; a far ended place on the coast, one of the largest fish landing center in the country, paints a vivid picture of relentless activity. From dawn till evening, women engage in the meticulous process of shrimp peeling (making headless, shell-on), a task laden with health risks and financial hardships.
Despite facing numbers of physical issues such as stomach pain, shortness of breath, fever, sneezing, coughs, and various skin ailments, these poverty-stricken women persevere in their work, knowing that it’s a crucial source of sustenance for their families. The irony lies in the fact that their labor-intensive efforts are rewarded with meager compensation. In exchange of their time consuming hard labor they get a nominal amount per kilogram of shrimp peeling, often as low as USD $0.09 or the peeled shrimp heads (which can be sold USD $0.11-$0.12 per KG at retail price in local community) .
Climate change has exacerbated the challenges faced by these coastal communities, affecting agriculture, biodiversity, the environment, and public health. The repercussions are particularly harsh on women, putting their reproductive health and overall well-being at serious risk. The global theme for Women’s Day 2023 by the United Nation, ‘Digital Technology and Innovation, Ending Gender Discrimination,’ underscores the need for gender equality and innovation in sustainable development. However, ground realities reveal that gender equality remains elusive on the coast, with women’s health rights hanging in the balance.
In Patharghata upazila, climate change has intensified poverty, driven by landlessness, increasing water salinity and pointing out the imbalance of women rights. Global warming and environmental degradation have far-reaching impacts, with dwindling freshwater sources and rising sea levels. Women bear the brunt, having to walk long distances and queue for hours at a few available tube wells.
Engaged in various activities such as fish/shrimp selection, peeling, drying, and fishing, women in the largest fish landing center are grappling with discrimination and inadequate wages. Their toil contributes significantly to the fishing industry, yet their compensation doesn’t reflect the strenuous nature of their work.
Several women shared their experiences, highlighting the daily challenges they face. Rehena Begum, Sahida Begum, and Rexna Begum, involved in fish selection, described their relentless work, earning meager amounts per kilogram of fish or, at times, shrimp heads. Mariam Begum, a mother of three, narrated her struggles as a single mother, emphasizing the difficulty of working in harsh winter conditions. Aleya Begum and Pushp Bala revealed the toll on their health, with damaged skin and the relentless task of picking fish daily.
Amid the adversities of the climate change, women rights are being overlooked here. Though it should be rather emphasized the need for new government initiatives to address the challenges faced by coastal communities, especially women and address health risks, ensuring fair wages for women workers. The government should take the spearhead initiatives for the livelihoods of coastal women, addressing issues of discrimination and wage inequality.
The plight of coastal women persists, accentuated by the impacts of climate change, making it imperative for comprehensive and equitable interventions to uplift these communities.
