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A review on gender-inclusive WASH policies in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Md. Aminul Islam Khan

    (Graduate Student, Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh.)

  • Anika Tahsin

    (Graduate Student, Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh.)

  • Bilqis Amin Hoque

    (Executive President, Environment and Population Research Centre (EPRC), Dhaka, Bangladesh.)

Abstract

Bangladesh is one of the developing countries in South Asia where multiple challenges exist in the field of WASH. In this regard, gender is a vital issue. It is necessary to include gender-responsive issues in WASH policies and legal frameworks as gender is a key factor in achieving sustainability in this sector. In every phase of a project cycle, the role of every gender group must be ensured. The review brings forth a broader understanding of the role and status of gender in the current WASH-associated legal frameworks of Bangladesh. Through the content analysis method, the inclusiveness of gender in WASH policies and legal frameworks has been evaluated based on selected issues. After that frequency score is given in each issue based on the number of documents addressed that particular issue. From the frequency score, it was observed that, in existing policies and legal frameworks, all the selected issues were not given due priority from the perspective of gender inclusiveness. Issues like ‘women-specific needs’, ‘equality’, ‘participation and representation’, and ‘Climate change, adaptation, and disaster management’ received high significance, whereas other key issues like ‘site selection, operation and maintenance, and ‘hygiene promotion’ which are crucial in the field of WASH were found to be addressed rarely. On the other hand, while addressing gender, only men and women were mentioned overlooking one of the vulnerable gender groups which is the transgender and hijra community. To achieve the SDG targets, the policies of Bangladesh need to be more gender-responsive. It is expected that the review will contribute towards refreshing the debate for updated gender-responsive policies and related materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Md. Aminul Islam Khan & Anika Tahsin & Bilqis Amin Hoque, 2021. "A review on gender-inclusive WASH policies in Bangladesh," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 5(12), pages 36-51.
    • Handle: RePEc:aif:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:12:p:36-51
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Khurshed Alam & Md. Habibur Rahman, 2019. "Post-disaster recovery in the cyclone Aila affected coastline of Bangladesh: women’s role, challenges and opportunities," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 96(3), pages 1067-1090, April.
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