Gender, Human Rights & Health

Gender Research at ICDDR,B

ICDDR,B has been at the forefront of gender research in the developing world since 1980s. We were the first to tell the world about gender discrimination in childhood mortality, child nutrition, intra-household food distribution, and health-seeking behaviour. In recent years, we have adopted a more systematic approach. We recognize gender as one of the most important determinants of health and treat it as a theme that cuts across all others. In 2008, we established a Gender, Health and Human Rights Programme that conducts research and studies gender mainstreaming. Our research areas currently include:

(1) Violence against women;
(2) Women's empowerment;
(3) Gender and nutrition;
(4) Gender and Development;
(5) Gender, sexuality and HIV/AIDS.

Violence against women

Since 1999, we have been studying violence against women in Bangladesh. As part of a WHO multi-country study, we conducted the first population-based research devoted entirely to domestic violence against women. The study identified the perpetrators of physical, sexual and emotional violence, its prevalence, the factors associated with it, the help-seeking behaviour of abused women, and the consequences of violence for women and children.

The study showed that the most common perpetrators of violence against women are their husbands. According to this study, four out of ten women reported physical violence by their husband, and five out of ten reported sexual violence. Due to a high acceptance of violence, stigma and fear of greater harm, two-thirds of abused women had remained silent about their experiences. Only 2% had sought help from formal institutions, from where help was not forthcoming. Women who had been emotionally abused by their husband were two to three times more likely to contemplate suicide, and those who were severely physically abused were two to four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Children of abused women were more likely to have low birth weight, to fall sick from diarrhoea and pneumonia, and to be worse off nutritionally. Daughters of severely physically abused mothers were at greater risk of death.

We are currently conducting a study on male attitudes to gender and violence against women. In addition, we are testing an intervention to reduce violence against adolescent girls and young women in urban slums. Framing violence against women broadly allows us to explore how their sexual and reproductive health rights are also being violated. The project applies an integrated approach by targeting not just adolescent girls and young women, but also young men, community leaders and the community as a whole. It brings together different actors in this field, such as health providers, legal service providers and community mobilisers against domestic violence. The project focuses both on prevention and service provision to survivors of domestic violence. In regards to service, the project attempts to create demand, and to ensure the supply of quality services.

Domestic Violence Bill, 2010

Our work at ICDDR,B on gender extends beyond research, and service provision. As part of the Coalition Citizen's Initiative against Domestic Violence, we actively participated in drafting the Domestic Violence Bill, which Parliament passed on October 5, 2010.

Studying women's empowerment

ICDDR,B has developed the methodology necessary to measure women's empowerment, and are about to launch a study investigating the relationship between women's empowerment and violence against women.

Gender, reproductive health and nutrition

Many of our studies focus on gender, reproductive health and nutrition. One study of female garment workers in Bangladesh found that entry into garment work changes a woman's role in her immediate family, and influences the timing of marriage. Most migrant workers come from resource-poor families, and are not married. This means that their financial contribution to family income is crucial. Thus, although by local standards they are at marriageable ages, their marriages are delayed compared with those of their peers in the village.

Gender and Development

We are increasingly engaged in research on gender and agro-aquaculture. We are currently engaged in a gender assessment for a project on “Expansion of the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh”. This assessment will enhance incorporation of gender considerations into this project implemented by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Recently, ICDDR,B’s gender team helped develop a proposal for a research project to be conducted in five countries across Asia and Africa by the WorldFish Center, entitled “Harnessing the development potential of aquatic agricultural systems for the poor and vulnerable”.

Gender, sexuality and HIV/AIDS

While there is no question that women bear the greater burden of gender oppression, men’s suffering should not be overlooked or underestimated either. Men are often seen from an ‘opponent’ gender perspective. They are subjected to familial and social pressures to become a ‘man’ often at emotional, physical, social and political costs. Our studies are exploring how men perceive their sexuality, gender and manliness, and are investigating the circumstances under which they accept culturally ascribed risks – practicing unhealthy lifestyles as an expression of their masculinity. Our studies are also exploring how gender, social, cultural, political and economic factors increase the vulnerability to HIV of various diverse groups of populations such as males having sex with males (MSM), transgender (hijra) and tribal communities in Bangladesh. Unless health problems and solutions are seen from the perspective of gender and rights, expected developments in health and well-being may not be achieved.

For details please contact Dr Ruchira Tabassum Naved, Head, Gender, Human Rights and Health.