Satkhira is a southwestern region of Bangladesh in which the majority of residents rely on local rivers to survive. However, these crucial freshwaters are being contaminated by salt water from the nearby Bay of Bengal as a consequence of rising sea levels and increasing occurrences of natural disasters like floods and cyclones. While the entire community relies on rivers and ponds for drinking, eating, and bathing, the increased exposure to salt water is disproportionately impacting women and exacerbating pre-existing gender inequalities. Fatima Idris Eva, a local medical professional, reports witnessing these impacts firsthand, noting a growing number of women suffering from reproductive health issues—particularly those working long hours fishing and cleaning in wet conditions. Asma Akhter is one of these many women, having needed a hysterectomy following the birth of her child due to issues which doctors have attributed to salt water exposure. According to local midwife Shefali Bibi, Akhter is not alone in this, with countless women experiencing pregnancy complications and requiring abortions for the same reason. If action is not taken, scientists estimate that almost 20% of Bangladesh may be submerged by 2050, with women impacted first and worst by the consequences of this.
