In the rural villages of Bangladesh, where thunderstorms and cyclones frequently devastate the land, women stand at the forefront of their communities’ survival. One such woman, Monira Begum, a community leader in Faridpur, navigates these natural disasters with strength and determination. Like many women in rural areas, Monira shoulders the dual burden of safeguarding her family and continuing agricultural work that sustains their livelihood. Yet, despite their central role, the contributions of women like Monira often go unnoticed. For them, disasters are more than environmental threats—they are battles where women must balance cultural expectations with the immediate dangers of a changing climate.
Last year, when severe river erosion destroyed the homes of several families in her community, Monira stepped in without hesitation. “I couldn’t just stay at home,” she recalls. “I helped those families find temporary shelter and coordinated with the Union Council for emergency relief. It was difficult, but knowing I could support my community made it deeply fulfilling.” Monira takes immense pride in offering leadership during crises. Her actions reflect the essential but often overlooked role women play in managing disasters and caring for their communities.
In this regard, there are organizations that seek to empower changemakers like Monira Begum to work better for their community. International Land Coalition Asia (ILC) works to unite land-rights-focused organizations across Asia, advocating for equitable access to land for marginalized groups, including women. Landesa ensures secure land rights as a pathway to economic opportunity and poverty reduction, especially for rural women. In Bangladesh, ALRD leads grassroots efforts to promote land reform and land tenure security, particularly for landless and marginalized communities. The Stand for Her Land Campaign (S4HL) globally advocates for women’s land rights, recognizing their crucial role in gender equality, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.
Gaps Between Policy and Practice
Photo courtesy: ALRD
Despite government efforts to implement policies supporting women during disasters, there is often a significant gap between policy and practice. Monira explains how shelters in her village, intended to protect people during emergencies, lack even the most basic facilities. “We have a shelter, but it’s not equipped with proper bathrooms, spaces to manage menstrual hygiene, or kitchens to cook for our families,” she says. “Women are responsible for caring for children, the elderly, and the sick during disasters, but the shelters aren’t designed with these roles in mind.”
These shortcomings force women to adapt in ways that should not be necessary. Monira believes that practical changes would make a significant difference in how women experience and recover from disasters. “If I could speak to the government, I’d ask for better infrastructure—separate spaces for women and children, proper bathrooms, kitchens, and areas for livestock like cows and goats,” she says. Addressing these basic needs would ensure that women and families are treated with dignity and safety during crises.
Land Insecurity and the Impact of Climate Change
Photo courtesy: ALRD
As climate change accelerates, access to land in regions like Faridpur becomes increasingly uncertain. River erosion—a constant menace—destroys the land that families depend on, leaving women particularly vulnerable. For Monira, the loss of land is not just a matter of property but of security. “When the river takes the land, it’s not just about losing property—it’s about losing security,” she explains. “For women, it’s even harder because we are often denied our rightful share.”
The uncertainty over land ownership creates a persistent sense of fear, making it difficult for women like Monira to plan for the future. “It’s hard to feel settled when you don’t know if the land you live on will still be there tomorrow,” she says. Monira knows that securing land rights for women is a long and difficult process, but it’s critical for their empowerment and resilience in the face of climate change. “Women need land security if they are to have any chance of resilience,” she states.
A Community United in Crisis
In times of disaster, the strength of Monira’s community shines through, and it is often women who lead these efforts. “When floods or cyclones hit, we come together to support those most affected,” Monira says. “Some people donate money, others provide rice, vegetables, or clothing. In areas hit by river erosion, some even offer land next to their homes for displaced families to rebuild.”
This spirit of collective responsibility ensures that no one is left behind, but Monira acknowledges that these efforts could be better organized. “We need more structured support systems, like community funds or networks that can respond quickly when disasters strike,” she says. While informal support is strong, with more formal organization, her community could respond even more effectively to crises. Monira’s leadership during these times demonstrates the power of grassroots solidarity, where women are often the backbone of recovery efforts.
The Emotional Toll of Disasters on Women
Photo courtesy: ALRD
The relentless cycle of climate disasters takes an immense emotional and mental toll on women. In Monira’s community, women are expected to manage their households even in the most trying circumstances—cooking, cleaning, and caring for children and the elderly. On top of these responsibilities, they continue agricultural work, often in the middle of floods. “We have to work in the fields, sometimes standing in waist-deep water to cut jute,” Monira says. “And we still have to deal with health issues, limited bathroom facilities, and menstrual challenges.”
Despite these overwhelming responsibilities, Monira and the women in her village persevere. “We’ve learned to cope,” she explains. “Before the rainy season, we build makeshift stoves out of tin or bricks so we can cook indoors when the floods come. We adapt our clothing, wearing salwar suits instead of sarees so it’s easier to work in the water.”
These small adjustments help them get by, but the emotional burden remains heavy. “Every crisis brings new challenges, and it takes a lot of resilience to keep going,” she admits. Monira’s resilience is a testament to the strength of women in the face of adversity.
Empowering Future Generations of Women Leaders
Monira believes that for real, lasting change to occur, the next generation of women must be empowered to step into leadership roles. While many young women in her village marry early, some rise to the occasion, leading their communities with courage and determination. “It’s important that young women receive training about their rights, especially when it comes to land and disaster preparedness,” she says.
Monira’s advice to the younger generation is simple but powerful: “One day, we won’t be here, and it will be up to you to continue this work. Lead with love and dedication. True leadership comes from caring for others, and if you approach your responsibilities with a genuine heart, you will make a real difference.”
Her words reflect the importance of nurturing future leaders who will continue the fight for women’s rights and community resilience. Monira’s leadership provides a model for young women, showing them that they too can make a difference.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
Cultural and social barriers often prevent women from fully participating in land ownership and disaster management, but Monira is optimistic that these obstacles can be overcome with education and awareness. “When people become more informed, these barriers start to break down,” she says.
Monira is fortunate to have a supportive family, who encourages her to learn more about legal issues related to land. “I haven’t faced restrictions from my own family, but society still has its opinions,” she notes. “People will always have something to say, but with my family behind me, I can focus on my work without worrying about what others think.” Monira’s ability to navigate cultural expectations while continuing her advocacy is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Looking Ahead
Photo courtesy: ALRD
As Monira Begum continues her journey as a community leader, she remains committed to advocating for women’s safety, land rights, and disaster preparedness. “My biggest hope is that women’s safety and access to land will be prioritized in the future,” she says. “I want to see policies that reflect the real needs of women during times of crisis.”
Monira’s journey to leadership began with her involvement in ALRD, which opened doors for her to participate in training programs and connect with government officials. “The trust my community has in me is what motivates me to keep working for their benefit,” she says.
Despite many challenges, Monira remains hopeful. “The love and trust I receive from my community inspires me to continue. It’s not always easy, but the impact I can have on their lives gives me the strength to keep pushing for meaningful change.”
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Header image courtesy: Tufan Chakma