Women’s Experience of Vulnerability in Flood in the context of Northern Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Flood is one of the most common and devastating disasters in the northern region of Bangladesh. The objective of this research is to investigate how and to what extent flood has been affecting people’s livelihood and how men and women are taking steps to mitigate the impact and cope up with the situation. The research work was conducted based on a qualitative point of view and the lens of feminist research methodology. This study has revealed that flood-induced vulnerability affects men and women differently. Women experience the severity of the flood and household food insecurity much more than men as women are responsible for maintaining the household, taking care of everyone, and playing the role of buffer and absorber the impact. To mitigate the impact and cope up with the devastating effects of floods, men and women employ different strategies. While men go to nearer or far towns or cities for alternative livelihoods, women remain within the household and try to mitigate the impact. This study is conducted through qualitative research techniques such as semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, case study, and conversational exchange method and aims at contributing to a broader understanding of women’s experience of flood-induced vulnerability in the context of the northern region of Bangladesh.