Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 18, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting today underscored the need for empowering women with resources, information and decision-making authority to strengthen resilience against climate change impacts.

They viewed that women, who play a crucial role in agriculture, are disproportionately affected by climate-induced challenges such as drought, water scarcity and declining food security. 

Ensuring their participation in sustainable agriculture, water management, and access to healthcare is vital for protecting livelihoods and reducing vulnerabilities.

The observations came at the inception meeting of a project titled "Gender Equality Transforms Climate Action (GETCA)" held at the Deputy Commissioner's office conference hall at Rajshahi city.

DASCOH Foundation and WAVE Foundation jointly organized the programme with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the Fund Management Agency.

Deputy Director of Local Government Zakirul Islam addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Additional Deputy Commissioner Mirja Amin Uddin attended as special guest. DASCOH Director Jahangir Alam Khan chaired the event.

Presenting the concept paper, District Coordinator Modon Das said the 30-month project is being implemented in 18 unions under Tanore, Godagari, and Charghat upazilas. 

The initiative aims to build cooperation and partnerships among civil society groups, strengthen community leadership, and enhance dialogue between citizens and government representatives for more inclusive policies.

Speakers noted that frequent droughts in the Barind region intensify women's hardships as they spend longer hours collecting water due to drying groundwater sources. 

The situation, they added, worsens sanitation and hygiene conditions, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly for women and children.

Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbraul Hassan Millat, WAVE Foundation regional coordinator Rabiul Islam, former deputy director of the Department of Agriculture Extension Brajahari Das, and Brac District Coordinator Mohsin Ali also addressed the programme.
Around 40 participants, both male and female, from the three upazilas joined the meeting and exchanged views on the issue.