By Sandra Nandini Bala from Dhaka
A workshop on “Urban Development, Climate Crisis, and Gender Justice” was held at CWF School near Balur Math in Hazaribagh. A total of 25 local representatives participated in the workshop to discuss building inclusive, climate-resilient and livable cities.
The workshop was organized by BARCIK. Md. Jahangir Alam, Coordinator of BARCIK’s Agro-Biodiversity, Climate Change and Food Security Program, and Community Facilitator Runa Akhter co-facilitated the session.
Participants shared their experiences of urban life, local environmental challenges and the impacts of climate change. Among the speakers include: Hosne Ara Begum Rafiza, President of the Slum Dwellers Rights Protection Committee (BOSC), Vice-President Md. Faruk, and BARCIK Community Facilitator Ratna Akhter.
In his presentation, Jahangir Alam highlighted the close links between urban development, climate change and social inequality. He stressed the need for inclusive urban planning, safe public spaces, accessible civic services and meaningful participation of marginalized communities in local governance. He also emphasized on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and coordinated environmental protection.
Runa Akhter focused on gender justice, calling for equal access to resources and opportunities, an end to wage discrimination, women’s economic empowerment, prevention of gender-based violence and greater leadership opportunities for women in families and communities.
Speakers said that women and marginalized communities often face disproportionate impacts from climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts and heatwaves. They called for stronger public awareness, women’s participation in decision-making and greater citizen engagement in environmental protection.
The workshop concluded with a call for collective action to promote gender-responsive, climate-resilient and inclusive urban development.