Dhaka: Rights activists at a progremme today (Wednesday) called for ensuring inclusive social development by reducing gender inequality to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since women are more vulnerable to climate change effects, adaptation must be done considering their needs and priorities. Without gender equality, we cannot sustain our development efforts, they said.

They came up with the remarks while addressing a learning-sharing workshop titled ‘Promote Gender Equality and Gender Responsive Adaptation (SDG 5 and 13)’ at Spectra Convention Centre at Gulshan in the capital.

Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), supported by Christian Aid, a UK-based NGO, organized the programme.

Referring to the SDGs 5 and 13, they said the two goals called for ensuring gender equality and empowering the women, and strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.                

Terming gender equality as a fundamental human right, they stressed on ending gender disparity, which is prevalent everywhere, saying that we need inclusive development. “If there is gender discrimination, it would not be possible to achieve the SDGs. We all need to work together in this regard”.

Chaired by Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director of BCAS, Sanjib Biswas, acting Bangladesh Country Director of Christian Aid, Abi Abdullah, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust, among others, spoke at the programme.  

Dr. Atiq stressed that “Without gender equality, we cannot sustain our development efforts.” Mr. Sanjay said that “A woman is more vulnerable than a man, but a poor woman is much more vulnerable than a well off woman. By the same token, a woman from a poor, minority and disabled group becomes the most vulnerable. That is why, we have to focus on intersectionality to find out the most vulnerable people.”

Mr. Abdullah said, “Women are tortured by other women as well. A woman is tortured more by her mother-in-law or husband’s sister than the husband himself because of dowry. That is why, All have to come forward to ensure gender equality.”

Director and Fellow of BCAS Dr. Dwijen Mallick said that “There are different factors in different ecosystems which must be considered for both gender responsive adaptation and SDGs implementation.”

Gender specialist of BCAS Zakia Naznin made presentation on gender equality and inclusive social development, while Dr. Dwijen Mallick, fellow of BCAS, and senior programme manager of BCAS Zahirul Islam jointly made another presentation on climate change impact on women and children: gender responsive adaptation in key ecosystems.