Women breaking barriers in the fight against climate change

Strengthening Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Through Sustainable Aquaculture Practices

March 10, 2025

Three people walk along a rocky path in a lush, green canyon. — ©UNDP Bangladesh

From the remote islands of Patuakhali to the hill tracts of Bandarban and Rangamati, the most basic necessities and facilities are often hard to acquire. Since these places are not risk free or feminine enough, these zones are not ideally considered conventional workplaces for women since.

However the female field staff from Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project supported by Sweden, Denmark, Government of Bangladesh along with UNCDF and UNDP have defied all odds.

This year, on International Women’s Day, we are paying tribute to our female staff, who are working in unconventional fields.

Pushing Boundaries: Lipika’s Journey in Construction

Growing up Lipika saw her family- her mother and siblings being involved in social welfare and development work. This became the way of life for her.

She herself became a development worker to contribute to the welfare of the society. At 42 she decided to take up a bigger challenge. She joined joined LoGIC project as a Upazila Facilitator (UF) in Rangamati-- a male-dominated sector that demanded prior technical expertise.

She underwent an intensive 13-day training on construction fundamentals and workforce management which helped her to overcome her hesitance over technical knowledge. But challenges remained.

For example, the workplace has health risk like insects and pest control and rigorous demand of physical labour. Sometimes she observes foremen doubt her authority.

There are times when she finds it difficult to keep her patience when the workers use harsh language among themselves.

In order to keep her compose, she meditates and uses strategic problem-solving techniques, starts over and she asserts herself, proving that women belong in every field, including construction.

Throughout the journey, her family remained a constant mental support to her.

"Since I have to be on the field, My husband, who is a school teacher looks after our two children and the household” she said.

And she finds joy when community people thank her for the development work.

"After installing the water schemes, community people thanked me. They treat me with so much respect and admiration—it makes all the hardship worth it."

Shaharima Sharna: A Catalyst for Change

Shaharima Sharna is only 27 years old living in Chor Montaz. At this age, she is balancing her master’s while creating meaningful change in remote communities. She joined LoGIC project as a Community Mobilisation Facilitator (CMF) in 2018. She walks quite a few kilometres regularly to reach the doorstep of the beneficiaries.

Working in the remote areas of Patuakhali presents unique challenges. Sharna regularly negotiates with the fishermen and boat owners, keep track of the goods and payment.

In her observation, women from low-income backgrounds are unfamiliar with business and require extra encouragement and training. “This is a flood-prone area and people frequently lose their national ID. They do not have mobile phone and it is difficult for them to open bank accounts” she said.

Despite technical setbacks Sharna remains committed. Throughout the years, she has learnt about climate, community mobilisation, and sustainable business development.

“I have learned how to help the community people to run businesses through teamwork, ensuring smooth logistics. When they share how much their lives have improved, I feel I am doing something great,” Sharna reflects.

It came to her knowledge that there is certain discomfort among local people regarding her work. But she defied them all.

“As long as I get the support of my family especially my father, I should not consider what other people think,” she said.

“Many who doubted in the beginning now look up to me because of my determination.”

Her colleagues were supportive to her as well. Altogether, Sharna has broken the barriers with her determination. She believes that real change is possible—even in the most challenging circumstances.

Beyond Limits: Hasina Bringing the Change

Hasina, a 29 year old ventures deep into jungles, climbs hills, and reaches the edges of waterfalls with her team to provide access to clean water to those in need.

She has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable, climate-affected communities. Previously working in community clinic data collection and as a school teacher, she wanted to create a deeper impact.

This led her to join the LoGIC project as a Upazila Facilitator (UF), where she now ensures the proper construction of water schemes in some of the most remote and challenging terrains of Bandarban.

The journey is not easy—unpredictable roads, accident-prone slopes, and high transport costs make commuting tedious and risky.

She appreciates her male colleagues for fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. At the same time she is thankful to her husband and in-laws for encouraging her work.

“Being able to provide access to clean water to the local community is rewarding enough to overlook the challenges I face.”

Hasina is leading fearlessly in the field. Through perseverance and passion, she is not just building water schemes—rather shaping a future where climate-affected communities have access to basic necessities.

Lipika, Sharna and Hasina are carving a space for themselves in sites where women are seldom seen. Their journey is not just about breaking gender stereotypes but also about redefining leadership, resilience, and community service.