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.

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During a national dialogue titled ‘Position of Women Workers in Shrimp Industry: Reality and Actions,’ organized by the non-governmental organization LEDARS (Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society) at JS Bhaban, Tuku emphasized that when employers prioritize workers’ interests, workers reciprocate. Therefore, a collective effort is necessary to resolve various issues through effective strategies.

Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Coordinator of the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, chaired the event, which featured Deputy Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Habibun Nahar and Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Labour and Employment Begum Shamsun Nahar as special guests. LEDARS Executive Director Mohan Kumar Mondal presented the keynote paper.

Several other speakers, including Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers-Bangladesh; Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; Halima Begum, Project officer of Ministry of Women and Child Affairs; Rafiqul Islam Azad, former president of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU); Shahajadi Begum, Oxfam representative; and Aminur Rasul Babul, joint secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), also participated in the discussion.

Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku expressed concerns about the challenges faced by the shrimp sector, a significant contributor to the country’s foreign exchange. He highlighted that women workers in the industry experience various forms of oppression and stressed the importance of ensuring the rights of these marginalized women for the sake of national development.

Tuku also emphasized the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women to empower them economically and politically. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Habibur Nahar acknowledged the challenges in the shrimp sector, such as decreasing numbers of women workers due to low wages and long working hours compared to men. She assured that the government is actively working to address these ongoing issues.

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