Dhaka, June 28 -- On the remote island of CharLata in Patuakhali's Rangabali upazila, where saline intrusion, water scarcity and climate change have made access to safe drinking water increasingly difficult, a community initiative is helping transform women from water collectors into decision-makers.

Implemented by OBHIZATRIK Foundation with support from a gender grant under the IUCN BRIDGE Water Governance Programme, the six-month project trained 60 women from fishing and farming households to take leadership roles in water governance, disaster preparedness and community decision-making.

President of OBHIZATRIK Foundation Ahmed Imtiaz Jami said women have always borne the burden of securing water for their families but have historicall...