Panellists at a Dhaka dialogue urged stronger child protection, continued access to education and greater involvement of girls in climate decisions to reduce the risks of early marriage.
Climate-related disasters and economic hardship are increasing the pressures that can push vulnerable girls into child marriage in Bangladesh, experts warned during a dialogue highlighting the need to protect girls’ education, safety and future opportunities.
The event, organised by It’s Humanity Foundation (IHF) and Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Bashundhara, brought together specialists and other stakeholders to examine the links between climate change, poverty, gender inequality and child marriage.
Held to mark the International Day of the Girl Child and National Girl Child Day, the dialogue featured two panel discussions exploring how climate-related shocks can deepen economic insecurity and social inequalities, leaving girls increasingly vulnerable to early marriage.
Delivering the keynote address, Md. Adnan Hossain, founder and executive director of It’s Humanity Foundation, said climate change and child marriage should not be treated as separate challenges.
He explained that extreme weather events and other climate-related disasters can interrupt girls’ schooling, undermine household incomes and increase domestic responsibilities, intensifying existing inequalities and exposing girls to greater risks of early marriage.
“A storm may disrupt a family’s life. A flood may wash away a classroom. But a crisis should never be allowed to wash away a girl’s choices,” Hossain said.
Participants stressed that strengthening climate resilience requires more than providing immediate assistance following disasters. Families must also have the resources and support needed to recover from climate-related shocks without sacrificing their daughters’ education, security or long-term prospects.
The discussions called for stronger child protection systems, wider educational and economic opportunities and greater participation by girls in climate initiatives and decisions affecting their lives.
Munira Ahmed Fidai, lead for Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh, said girls should have a central role in efforts to build communities capable of withstanding climate-related challenges.
“Girls must not be seen merely as victims of climate change. They must be recognized as leaders, decision-makers and active contributors to building resilient communities,” she said.
The first panel discussion was moderated by Shamima Akhter, an adviser at It’s Humanity Foundation.
Speakers included Roufa Khanum, deputy director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER); Anita Ghazi Rahman, senior advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Rumana Ahmed, vice president and head of corporate affairs at Citibank N.A., Bangladesh; and Afsana Chowdhury, a gender equality and inclusion specialist.
The second session, moderated by Syed Fazle Niaz, co-founder of It’s Humanity Foundation, brought together Advocate Fawzia Karim Firoze, senior advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Maimuna Zahra Fariha, head of research and gender and climate lead at Buro Bangladesh; Esrat Karim Eve, founder and executive director of AMAL Foundation; and Farah Anzum, country lead at the Global Strategic Communications Council.
Across both sessions, panellists examined how environmental vulnerability, financial hardship and entrenched gender disparities can combine to threaten girls’ rights.
They emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that climate adaptation and recovery measures also address the social and economic conditions that contribute to child marriage.
The discussions highlighted the need to maintain access to education during periods of climate disruption, strengthen safeguards for vulnerable girls and enable families to recover from disasters without compromising their children’s futures.
Established in 2010, It’s Humanity Foundation is a non-profit organisation working to reduce poverty through education, women’s empowerment, youth skills development and emergency relief.
Ismaili CIVIC is an international volunteer initiative of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community promoting community service and environmental sustainability.
Backpage PR supported the event as its public relations partner, while The News Compress served as the digital media partner.
