Deficiencies of women's participation in climate governance and sustainable development challenges in Bangladesh

Abstract

In Bangladesh, women endure the consequences of climate change while also serving a crucial role in domestic and community‐led climate change responses. Given the gender power dynamics that have developed in Bangladesh, integrating women as distinguishable actors and effective agents in climate governance remains a challenge. Bangladesh is a traditionally patriarchal society, and because of deeply ingrained gender inequalities, men dominate the family, community, and society. Most research has been conducted on women's vulnerability and victims, but only a few were conducted on how women can be change‐makers. This research found that with women's contribution and equal participation, achieving effective climate governance in Bangladesh is possible. The study also discovered that the absence of women from climate governance perpetuates gender inequality and makes it more challenging to achieve sustainable development objectives. The intricate relationships between gender equality, efficient climate governance, and the more general aim of sustainable development within the context of Bangladesh are explored in this study. In light of the findings, the study argues for and puts forward policy proposals for recognizing women's active contribution as change makers and supporting gender equality as a crucial strategy in climate governance in Bangladesh.