Assignment Name: Research on Identifying the Root Causes of the Intersectional Vulnerabilities of Gender, Climate Vulnerability, and Ethnicity-Based Discrimination in Bangladesh

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: Christian Aid

 The “Research on Intersectional Vulnerabilities of Gender, Climate Risks, and Ethnicity-Based Discrimination in Bangladesh” was a critical initiative commissioned by Christian Aid and Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK) to address the complex and overlapping vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities. This groundbreaking study explored how systemic gender inequalities, climate-induced risks, and ethnic discrimination intersect to exacerbate social and economic disparities, particularly for women and indigenous groups in climate-vulnerable regions.

The research sought to fill critical knowledge gaps by identifying the root causes of these vulnerabilities and providing actionable insights to guide policy formulation, advocacy, and programming. The study was designed to align with Bangladesh’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on leaving no one behind, and ensuring inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient development.

The study was structured into two distinct but complementary components:

1. Secondary Research: This involved a detailed review of existing literature and data to map vulnerable communities, identify thematic and geographical focus areas, and provide an evidence base for primary research.
2. Primary Research: Conducted in selected areas across Bangladesh, this component engaged directly with affected communities through household surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Participatory Vulnerability Analysis (PVA) to capture nuanced, lived experiences of intersectional vulnerabilities.

The findings of the research were disseminated during a national dialogue organized by The Business Standard, which brought together policymakers, academics, civil society actors, and development practitioners.

DM WATCH team provided the following services:

Project Inception and Planning:

• Conducted initial consultations with Christian Aid to refine research objectives, scope, and methodology.
• Prepared an inception report detailing the research framework, tools, and implementation timeline.

Secondary Research:

• Reviewed national and international literature on gender, climate vulnerability, and ethnic discrimination.
• Mapped marginalized communities facing intersecting vulnerabilities using existing data sources and identified gaps for primary research focus.

Primary Data Collection:

• Designed and tested structured questionnaires and guidelines for household surveys, FGDs, and KIIs.
• Conducted fieldwork in climate-vulnerable and ethnically marginalized areas using a mixed-method approach, including:
• 347 household surveys to gather quantitative data on socio-economic conditions and vulnerabilities.
• 16 FGDs with diverse community groups to capture qualitative insights into lived experiences.
• 19 KIIs with policymakers, local leaders, and development experts to contextualize findings.
• 8 case studies of particular interest.
• Participatory Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (PVCA) tools, such as resource mapping, risk matrix creation, venn diagram, seasonal calendars, hazard map, and transact walk, to document the intersection of vulnerabilities.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Digitized and processed field data using tools like SPSS and Excel for quantitative analysis and thematic coding for qualitative data.
• Triangulated findings to ensure consistency and depth in understanding the root causes of vulnerabilities.

Report Writing and Deliverables:

• Produced two comprehensive research reports (secondary and primary) designed in inDesign, ensuring high-quality presentation and accessibility.
• Developed infographics and slide decks summarizing key findings and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination:

• Presented research findings at a national dialogue hosted by The Business Standard, engaging policymakers, academics, and advocacy groups.
• Facilitated discussions on actionable strategies to address intersecting vulnerabilities in development programming.

Advocacy and Recommendations:

• Provided actionable recommendations for integrating intersectional vulnerabilities into national development plans and SDG programming.
• Highlighted key policy gaps and proposed targeted interventions to reduce inequalities and build resilience.

Key Deliverables:

• An inception report including data collect tools
• Comprehensive secondary research report analyzing intersectional vulnerabilities.
• Primary research report capturing field data and lived experiences of marginalized communities.
• Infographics and slide decks summarizing findings for easy dissemination.
• Presentation at a national dialogue, fostering multi-stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
• All reports and materials designed in inDesign for professional and accessible presentation.
• All notes, data, audio, video collected from field.

This research not only provided a robust evidence base for addressing intersectional vulnerabilities but also facilitated dialogue and advocacy to ensure marginalized groups are prioritized in development policies and programs.