Rapid assessment on gender dynamics, barriers, opportunities and risks in agriculture and aquaculture sectors in northwestern Bangladesh

Generally Aquaculture in Bangladesh is perceived as men’s work (Barman, 2001) which implies that women has limited or no access to and benefit from aquaculture. Under this circumstance, this study aims to identify the factors associated with women’s limited participation in aquaculture. In addition to that, the study also aims to explore the existing practices and opportunities those can boost up women’s involvement in the aquaculture sector. This qualitative study was conducted with farming households of North West part of Bangladesh to understand the gender norms and dynamics of that region. Following a literature review, the fieldwork sheds light on the very nuanced and complicated gender norms and dynamics that shapes men’s and women’s lives as they engage and benefit from agriculture-aquaculture livelihoods.