Cinderella and the missing slipper: gender dynamics in water management in the coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract This study explored the gendered roles, responsibilities, and inequalities of access to and control over water management in the household, irrigation and agriculture. This study observed that there is considerable gender imbalance with regard to household activities, income generating activities, participation and mobility, ownership and control of resources, decision making power and involvement in different activities in water management. The distinct roles and the relations between men and women may give rise to gender inequalities where one group is systematically favored and holds advantages over another. Therefore, gender mainstreaming in water management is an integral dimension to bring to light the concerns and experiences of both men and women. The study is convinced that dissemination of information with regard to the role of women in water management and benefits of a gendered approach in the water sector has been neglected. There were inadequate research materials, especially locally in relation to gender, water management and women's empowerment, indicating that either there has not been much research conducted to explore the topic, or there has been no proper documentation of research papers pertaining to the same. Possible areas of further research may include evaluating the gender mainstreaming strategies in water and agriculture management in the southwest coastal regions of Bangladesh.