Disaster-induced Social Vulnerability of Women: A Study of Nalian and Kalabogi Villages in Coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh’s coastal region faces escalating climate hazards, yet the assumption that gendered vulnerability is uniform across localities remains inadequately tested. This study critically assesses the differential nature of disaster-induced social vulnerability among women in two adjacent, climate-exposed villages, Nalian and Kalabogi. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research integrated quantitative survey data (N = 377) with qualitative insights from FGDs and KIIs to explain the underlying drivers of vulnerability. While the study primarily focuses on socio-cultural dynamics and lacks direct environmental or geospatial modeling, it provides a robust bottom-up analytical approach to human-centric risk. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant regional disparities that are deeply rooted in socio-cultural norms; for instance, significant mobility restrictions were qualitatively linked to the persistent requirement of male permission for shelter access. Similarly, institutional gaps identified in warning reception and relief delays were exacerbated by village-specific infrastructural deficits. The study further triangulated findings in health and education, where quantitative disparities in service access were reflected in a heavy qualitative reliance on faith healers and disaster-induced school closures for girls. Significant differences were also observed in women’s property ownership and the social instability, such as separation and polygamy, resulting from climate-induced male migration. The study concludes that women’s social vulnerability is highly sensitive to micro-level socioeconomic inequalities. These findings mandate context-specific, rights-based interventions that address the precise local barriers to safety, health, and autonomy.