Afsan Chowdhury

THE relentless reality of social media has begun to influence news making at several levels. Three social media elements are making these pressures so strong. (a) It reaches consumers almost instantly and in no way can professional media compete with that. (b) Content creators can mix and offer audio-visuals that cost little to produce because of phone video making and editing. (c) It has a regular and loyal fan base that circulates the content more rapidly than is possible for professional media to do so.

Response to challenges

THE result is the rise of a challenge that professional media cannot respond to adequately. Paper media has already tuned out and become dependent on government advertisements or supported by a special interest group. The problem has hit those papers more which are trying to align themselves along market lines.

One way they have responded is to open online sections apart from the e-paper versions that all have. However, problems have remained. Media outlets are national in nature and all are concentrated in Dhaka. Since the owners and editors see Dhaka as the state capital, hence national, the news is very limited in scope as well.

That means focus on the formal part of governance which is represented by the Dhaka-connected elite. Meanwhile, the rise of the peri-urban and rural societies linked through digital communication has been extensive. And this has diluted the ‘national’ platform whether in news making or other sectors.

The competition is, therefore, between interest in ‘national’ affairs and ‘local’ issues in almost every space. The growth of content-generating capacity outside Dhaka/national has also coincided with a decline in news matters far away that is now Dhaka. On top of that, this competition is counterproductive as everyone has access to ‘national’ issues leading to low exclusivity.

When this is the scenario, almost everyone is hurrying to cover the same news. Thus, all mainstream media as opposed to social media are copying each other. That has also reduced the audience niche for each outlet as the news is being shared informally on the same topic on social media. To the consumer, the brand value is depleted when all report the same topic the way and resemble each other inevitably.

Forced to diversify?

BEFORE the digital era, media outlets had several products but each had their own identity. Now, that is not the case any more. It is not the content that matters but the form as well. So, a media construct has several outlets and they basically carry the same news. From paper to social media videos, it is the same news as far as the consumer is concerned. This is being done by all the major media outlets as a result of which media content is not increasing but duplication is.

Had this problem been of one or two outlets, it would have been a manageable challenge, perhaps; but it affects all players. As a result, the same content is so common that in multiple forms it is making them repeat contents. So, the audience is looking for alternatives such as social media and it is free. Thus, branding now has lower value as the content is universal.

So, the traffic to independent content creators is rising and they are now competing with corporate media outlets. The result is greater accessing of social media content where the variety is greater.

Many professional media outlets are, thus, tempted to try an easy way out since all it needs is a copy paster and some editing top produce ‘content’. But that approach also has its limitations. Just about everyone can do it; so, the quantum of unique content has rapidly declined, making presence no longer an effective marketing approach. Hence, the dependence on ‘views’ are increasing, hoping that it will help to gain and retain consumers.

More views, less news?

NEWS as a product is becoming increasingly difficult to sell and even the term newspaper is threatening to become obsolete. One individual content creator is able to produce as much and as attractive as a corporate media body making such content-making being exclusive the biggest challenge. When everything is being known instantly, the concept of breaking news itself needs to be redone. The era of news first may be coming to an end, rapid or slowly.

Social media has, therefore, created a situation where people know what is happening but want to know what it means in terms of impact and analysis. That makes ‘views’ much more exclusive as content, hence more attractive.

A new model is clearly emerging where a series of products will be available catering to different audiences and influencing opinion will be far more algorithm based.

That makes views more attractive to consumers, hence more attractive to advertisers. If people are getting news from social media, they will turn to professionals to learn what that news means. The mixed news and views media is already facing that challenge which is likely to grow more in the future.

Afsan Chowdhury is a researcher and journalist.

– Article originally appeared on New Age.

The post Social media pressure changing news making appeared first on Dhaka Mirror.

By AKM Mahmudul Haque

WATER, the essence of life, is a precious resource that sustains our planet and its inhabitants. Yet, despite the vastness of our oceans, only a small portion of the water is potable. Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics that approximately 80 per cent of the water supplied in cities and towns remains untreated, posing serious health risks to millions. However, despite this challenge, there are signs of hope. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh has made commendable improvements to its water supply systems. About 85 per cent of the world’s population now has access to a water supply because of the combined efforts of international organisations like WHO and UNICEF. Although 2.7 billion people globally experience water scarcity for at least one month every year, 1.1 billion still lack access to safe drinking water.

As we confront the global water crisis, it is essential to recognise the scale of the challenge we face. Even though 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only 3 per cent is drinkable. Even more striking is the fact that Lake Baikal in Russian Siberia, which contains 23 per cent of this potable water, remains largely inaccessible due to its frozen state. This leaves the remaining 2.2 per cent of the Earth’s surface for the 7 billion people to share. The scarcity and preciousness of water necessitate urgent action and a paradigm shift in our approach to water management.

While the World Bank recognises Bangladesh’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through effective water management, it also underscores the urgent need to address the inadequate treatment of water in urban areas. It is imperative that the government and stakeholders prioritise investments in water treatment infrastructure, technology, and capacity-building initiatives. By ensuring that water is treated properly, we can safeguard public health and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.

The achievements highlighted by WHO and UNICEF demonstrate that progress is possible, but there is much work left to be done. We must confront the sad reality that more than one billion people across the world still lack access to safe water, a basic human right. When we look at the numbers, a distressing reality emerges. In Bangladesh, especially in urban areas, the reality is also distressing. Sylhet, a city known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, grapples with water safety issues. Research funded by BANBEIS of the Ministry of Education under the GARE programme reveals that only a meagre 9.4 per cent of its residents expressed high satisfaction with the water supply, while a staggering 38 per cent reported being unsatisfied. Barisal, an important economic hub, faces a similar predicament, with 17.7 per cent of its residents expressing dissatisfaction and 9.9 per cent claiming to be completely unsatisfied with the water supply. These figures should serve as a wake-up call for city authorities, urging them to address the shortcomings in their water management systems.

One crucial aspect that demands immediate attention is the personal purification system. Shockingly, a significant portion of the population in both cities does not possess such systems, with 27.1 per cent in Sylhet and a staggering 67.7 per cent in Barisal lacking access to personal purification methods. This situation exposes individuals to potential health hazards and places an unnecessary burden on public utilities. It is imperative for city authorities to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to invest in personal purification systems, and also to ensure people’s access to affordable personal purification systems.

Moreover, the absence of systems for water reuse is deeply concerning. Both cities have a distressing statistic of 0 per cent when it comes to reusing water, indicating a missed opportunity to mitigate water scarcity and reduce the strain on freshwater sources. Implementing water reuse systems could play a pivotal role in conserving water and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and population growth. City corporations must collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies for recycling and reusing water, enabling a sustainable and efficient water management framework.

Another critical factor contributing to the current water crisis is the lack of initiative and supervision from city authorities. Astonishingly, research reveals a complete absence of authority-led initiatives and supervision for water reuse in urban Bangladesh. Such inaction perpetuates a sense of complacency and undermines the urgency of the situation. City corporations must step up and take the lead in promoting sustainable water management practices, investing in research and development, and implementing policies that encourage innovation and responsible water usage. Only through proactive and decisive measures can we secure a future where water resources are harnessed and preserved responsibly.

The challenges ahead are daunting, but not impossible. The city corporations have the potential, but appear to lack the will, to ensure sustainable water management, setting an example for other cities grappling with similar issues. City authorities must seize this opportunity to invest in modern infrastructure, foster community engagement, and prioritise the preservation and equitable distribution of water resources. By embracing sustainable water management practices, these cities can build resilience, enhance their livability index, and safeguard the well-being of their residents for generations to come.

The global water crisis requires a concerted effort to secure water for a sustainable future. While progress has been made, the challenges we face remain significant. By prioritising proper water treatment, investing in infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation, we can work towards a world where every individual has access to safe and clean water. Let us unite in this vital endeavour and embark on a journey towards a future where water scarcity becomes a thing of the past, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all.

Dr AKM Mahmudul Haque is a professor of political science at Rajshahi University and governing council member at the Centre for Social Innovation and Sustainability, Rajshahi University.

– Article originally appeared on New Age.

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Views

Md Nuruzzaman Khan

World Population Day, which has been observed on July 11 every year since 1989, holds significant importance in addressing critical population-related issues. This year, the focus is on gender equality, symbolised by the theme of “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities.”

The theme strongly resonates with Bangladesh, which ranks 71st out of 146 countries in the 2022 Global Gender Gap analysis. Despite this position, Bangladesh still has the highest level of gender parity in South Asia. However, there is still much progress to be made in several key indicators of gender inequality, including early marriage, violence against women, and women’s empowerment.

It is important to note that these indicators are central to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which prioritises gender equality and women’s empowerment. Furthermore, they have indirect implications for other SDG indicators, such as universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services and the reduction of maternal and under-five mortality. Consequently, unless greater priority is given to reducing gender inequality, Bangladesh faces the risk of not achieving several SDGs by 2030.

Ensuring gender equality in Bangladesh poses significant challenges, particularly when addressing deep-rooted social norms. These norms, shaped by cultural and traditional beliefs, often perpetuate gender disparities and hinder progress towards achieving equality. One major challenge is the prevalence of early marriage, with 51 percent of women being married off before the age of 18, as per Unicef data. This higher occurrence is reported despite the country having strong laws against child marriage, a practice that is influenced by community-level norms endorsing early marriage, such as previous generations also being married at a young age. These norms restrict women’s education, limit job opportunities, and contribute to a cycle of inequality. Additionally, community norms in Bangladesh reinforce male superiority, leading to the acceptance of gender-based violence and discrimination. For instance, one in every four women and girls in Bangladesh experiences physical and sexual violence from her partner. Underreporting of such violence is common due to social norms that discourage discussions on such matters. Furthermore, societal expectations prioritise women’s roles as wives and mothers over their need to pursue education and careers, thus limiting their personal growth and professional development. Traditional gender roles dictating women’s submissiveness and subordination further restrict their decision-making power and autonomy.

Overcoming these deeply ingrained community norms is crucial for achieving gender equality in Bangladesh, and it calls for a multi-faceted approach that raises awareness, challenges traditional beliefs, and empowers women and girls. Improving the quality of education and actively engaging parental generations can play an effective role in achieving these goals. However, it is important to acknowledge that the country still faces challenges in both aspects.

Bangladesh has made significant progress in reducing the gender gap in education. The primary education enrolment rate is around 98 percent, with a higher female-to-male ratio. This achievement is due to the government’s comprehensive efforts for universal education, including initiatives such as stipends, mid-day meals, and free textbooks distribution. However, disparities in educational completion become evident as we move up the degrees of education, with women experiencing a lower completion rate compared to men. Additionally, women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is much lower than that of men, which limits their access to managerial and senior positions. These disparities are primarily influenced by challenges in the education system, cultural norms, and the patriarchal nature of communities.

The education system in Bangladesh can effectively address these challenges by implementing initiatives to ensure education completion. These may include monitoring school attendance, promoting girls’ participation in STEM fields with additional support, and creating a strong foundation among women to discourage early marriage by building awareness. However, these measures are often lacking as the education system tends to prioritise grades and certificates over providing a holistic education that prepares students for life. Furthermore, the current practice of recruiting for employment through exams in subjects unrelated to higher education discourages women from continuing their education and contributes to early marriages. This is because the lengthy preparation period for these exams, which can last three to four years or longer, makes it difficult for women to sustain after completing their education, leading to a lack of hope and motivation to continue their studies instead of getting married.

Bangladesh is currently undergoing a rapid cultural transformation, which also poses challenges to women’s education and empowerment. One significant aspect of this transformation is the increasing interaction between male and female students facilitated by advancements in technology, including the role of social media. However, many parents still hold negative views about these interactions, even if they are not of an intimate nature. Consequently, in such cases, parents may opt to arrange marriages for their daughters instead of allowing them to pursue higher education.

To effectively address these issues, it is crucial to engage parents within the mainstream education system and establish a life-oriented educational approach that prioritises girls’ empowerment and holistic development. As of now, it is evident that the country’s response to these challenges remains insufficient.

Dr Md Nuruzzaman Khan is an assistant professor at the Department of Population Science of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

– Article originally appeared on The Daily Star.

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Mohammad Ehsanul Islam Khan

Education empowers and shapes nations. Increased enrollment and reading levels in Bangladesh have also enhanced education access. But the focus on quantity has overtaken the drive for quality education, leaving only a handful with access to top-notch universities.

According to Dr John Dewey, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” This remark captures the transformational nature of education. Quality education develops essential skills for both personal and societal growth.

Addressing the scarcity of trained teachers is crucial for providing quality education for all. Education policy expert Dr Linda Darling-Hammond once stated that the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. To provide high-quality instruction, proper teacher recruitment and training programmes are essential.

Enhancing education quality also requires improving infrastructure. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, stressed that inadequate classrooms, water and sanitary facilities, and lack of learning tools hinder education. A favourable learning environment that encourages students’ concentration and academic success requires adequate infrastructural development, including classrooms, furniture, electricity, and access to clean water.

Educational inequality must also be addressed. Dr Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher, says, “Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate the integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom…” To close the gap between private and public schools, public-private partnerships must promote public education. NGOs, for-profit, and charitable partnerships can improve the state of education in poorer communities.

Additionally, teachers’ professional development is crucial. Dr Andy Hargreaves, a world-renowned education researcher, says, “High-quality professional learning enhances teacher effectiveness and student achievement.” Continuous training, mentorship, and competitive remuneration help attract and retain exceptional teachers, thus improving education.

Technology in the classroom can improve education and close the achievement gap. Education technology researcher Professor Sugata Mitra says, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” Digital technologies and e-learning platforms can help students learn important skills and access resources, especially in places with a shortage of teachers.

The Bangladeshi school admission process has traditionally resembled a rat race. The new lottery-based admittance system raises problems about the right to education. It’s sad to see a system that renders our children powerless and leaves their destiny to chance. On the other hand, attending well-equipped schools in Bangladesh is too expensive. As a result, it might be financially challenging for students from working- or middle-class homes to afford a quality education. These pupils face a barrier to enrolment in schools with superior facilities and resources because of the affordability gap. Thus, educational opportunities are reduced, which hinders social mobility and keeps inequality in its cycle. To provide equitable access to high-quality education for all pupils in Bangladesh, efforts to solve this issue are essential.

Therefore, reevaluating the school system has become a necessity. If required, the education system must be amended, and not only in terms of admission procedures. As such, some key reforms are required.

Curriculum reform

The curriculum must be updated to meet society’s requirements and global norms. Practical and skill-based disciplines equip students for the modern workforce and help foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Teacher support

Teachers need constant professional growth. Training should include subject knowledge, innovative teaching methods, classroom management skills, and student-centred learning. Mentoring and peer support can boost teachers’ performance and job satisfaction.

Resource distribution

Distributing textbooks, learning materials, and technology evenly across schools is crucial. Addressing the gaps between well-equipped urban schools and resource-deficient rural schools demands strategic planning and funding.

Community engagement

Involving parents, local communities, and stakeholders in education encourages ownership and accountability. Dialogue and collaboration platforms can foster innovation, overall school improvement, and inclusive education.

Strengthening school infrastructure

Building and renovating school buildings, libraries, labs, and other amenities makes for a good learning environment. Safe and accessible schools also increase student involvement and improve learning.

Leveraging technology

Technology in education can increase access to quality learning resources, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. Internet access, updated devices, and e-learning platforms can help students gain digital literacy.

Monitoring and evaluation

Accountability and continuous improvement require the monitoring of education quality and evaluation systems. Standardised tests, school inspections, and feedback mechanisms can assist with improving education and ensure its efficacy.

Collaboration and partnerships

International organisations, NGOs, and private sector companies can provide expertise, resources, and new solutions to improve education. Public-private collaborations can boost infrastructure, teacher training programmes, and technological integration.

The government, legislators, educators, parents, and society must commit long-term to quality education for all. Bangladesh can construct an education system that develops every child’s potential and gives them the skills to succeed in a changing world by prioritising access to quality education. Nelson Mandela had said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Bangladesh can unlock its people’s potential and create a thriving, inclusive future by providing quality education for all.

Mohammad Ehsanul Islam Khan is a teacher, researcher, poet and the president of Hello-Teen, a government-approved non-profit organisation in Bangladesh.

– Article originally appeared on The Daily Star.

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Mehreen Chowdhury

EDUCATION is known to be strongest when voices and diverse perspectives are heard and shared around the community. It is vital that young people are given the space and safety to express them without feeling ashamed. The idea of special education is governed by the concept that education is for all. It is true that not everyone learns the same way; hence, teachers in institutions should examine how a child learns and what struggles they face regularly.

A system called ‘Special Educational Needs’ was developed to help individuals who needed it learn more effectively. Special needs that are not met are a problem in Bangladesh and other countries. More support is needed to guarantee that kids with SEN have the same learning opportunities as students without SEN. Due to hidden or neurodivergent difficulties, children in special education may need instructional adaptations.

SEN children are entitled to thrive just like other children. They should get the opportunity to express themselves. People should be able to accept that it is okay for a child to be different, and it is not out of the ordinary for a child to have a learning difficulty. What is wrong is that people discriminate against normal kids and make them feel less. They need to consider what help a child may need when it comes to education.

By focusing on attentive learning and incorporating hands-on activities and visual aids into their lessons, teachers can assist students with unique educational needs. To monitor the student’s development, a specific mentor should be appointed. The students should undergo routine health examinations in schools, and there are programmes in the US and UK for the less fortunate. Schools have connections to professionals who can aid in the education of children with SEND, and teachers are skilled at assisting pupils who are having difficulty learning.

The most crucial information to take is that children with special needs frequently encounter discrimination, bullying, and social injustice. Parents should try to offer them emotional support as well as educate others about SEN and promote awareness of it. All schools and teachers should receive special education needs training, and colleges should include this topic in their curriculum. Using a variety of learning techniques, including read-and-write, kinaesthetic, auditory, and visual, teachers and parents can support their children’s academic performance. SEN students often struggle with a variety of issues, including behavioural issues, physical challenges, emotional challenges, etc.

Those who are categorised as having learning difficulties also deserve access to education. Students in mainstream school yet experience difficulties when it comes to having support at school. Obstacle to supply quality literacy must be overcome in future. It is a challenge for SEN students to learn the same content without extra support. They will need more time and teachers and parents should be patient enough to encourage and motivate the child towards learning.

Mehreen Chowdhury is a HR executive and admission officer at RISE School.

– Article originally appeared on New Age.

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Zillur Rahaman

CHILD marriage is one of the social ills in Bangladesh. It was once an epidemic in Bangladesh. It, however, came under control because of various measures and the supervision of the government in the past decade or so, but has been increasing at an alarming rate since the Covid pandemic, which increased the poverty rate sharply. For girls in remote areas, this term is a dark chapter of horror. When many say it is a social curse, poor parents call it a social reality.

Bangladesh still has the highest rate of child marriage among Asian countries. A report by the United Nations Population Fund, released globally on April 19, says that almost 51 per cent of girls get married before the age of 18 in the country, which is a very alarming figure.

The report is based on data on child marriages from 2006 to 2022. According to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey report, the child marriage rate was 59 per cent in 2017–18. The teenage pregnancy rate was 28 per cent in 2017–18, compared to 31 per cent in 2014. A BRAC survey found that child marriages increased by 68 per cent in the first 10 months of 2020 compared to the first 10 months of 2019. In fact, the latest report from the United Nations Population Fund has revealed the same alarming picture.

According to the report, the Maldives has the lowest rate of child marriage in South Asia — just 2 per cent. Apart from this, 10 per cent of child marriages are happening in Sri Lanka, 18 per cent in Pakistan, 23 per cent in India, 26 per cent in Bhutan, 28 per cent in Afghanistan, and 33 per cent in Nepal.

However, Bangladesh’s position has improved by one step in terms of child marriage around the world and now stands at fifth. Bangladesh was ranked sixth in last year’s report. In the new report, West African country Burkina Faso also ranks fifth, along with Bangladesh. Five other African countries occupy the top four positions. Niger has the highest rate of child marriage, at 76 per cent. The Central African Republic and Chad are joint second with a child marriage rate of 61 per cent. It is followed by Mali (54 per cent), Mozambique (53 per cent) and South Sudan (52 per cent). However, child marriage is completely absent in Singapore, South Korea, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland.

Due to the Covid pandemic, the educational institutions were closed for a long time, and the students stayed away from school. Especially girl students stopped going to school. It was feared at the time that the delay in opening schools could exacerbate problems such as child marriage. Global statistics show that the number of child marriages increases during times of conflict, disaster or pandemic. Economists say that 20 per cent of people in Bangladesh lived below the poverty line before the pandemic, and another 23 per cent have fallen below the poverty line due to the pandemic. So the risk of child marriage increased a lot during this time. The government has also admitted that the situation of child marriage has worsened due to the pandemic.

The fact that the rate of child marriage has increased in the country during the pandemic has also been revealed by various surveys. According to a UNFPA survey report on child marriage, published in September 2022, the marriage rate of girls aged 15 to 19 in the country increased by 10 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year.

According to the UNICEF report, strong steps need to be taken to stop child marriage in Bangladesh by 2030. It states that stopping child marriage is a priority for both the Bangladesh government and UNICEF. However, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end child marriage by 2030 and the national target to end child marriage by 2041, Bangladesh needs to make further changes. To meet the national target, progress in ending child marriage needs to be at least 8 times faster than in the last decade and 17 times faster to meet the SDG targets.

Child marriages are violations of human rights and have devastating consequences for individuals and societies, robbing children of their childhood and limiting their opportunities to choose the life they want. Stakeholders must invest now to protect girls’ rights to survival and education and reduce their exposure to violence and abuse.

Among the reasons for child marriage are poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness, prevailing customs and superstitions, social unrest, sexual harassment, a negative attitude towards girls, a lack of security, a deteriorating law and order situation, the dowry system, and a lack of proper laws related to the prevention of child marriage. Due to child marriage, childbearing at an immature age, an increase in maternal mortality rate, health loss, divorce, prostitution, and premature childbirth, women are subjected to various complications. However, public health experts say child marriage has a deep relationship with maternal mortality. Reproductive health is at risk if girls are married at an early age. For a long time, in our country, there has been no improvement in the situation of child marriage. It is not only poverty but also social behaviour that is responsible for this. It is still considered good to marry girls off at a young age. To prevent this situation, it is necessary to make education compulsory for girls up to high school, give stipends, and change the social attitude.

The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 was converted into the Prevention of Child Marriage Act in 2017. In this act, the age of child marriage has been fixed in the definition of child marriage. However, the Bangladesh government has undertaken various awareness programmes against child marriage and is also doing extensive publicity in this regard. Mobile courts are being run by the local administration to stop child marriage. Various NGOs are also playing a complementary role. But in spite of this, the incidence of child marriage could not be effectively prevented. Many are registering child marriages by raising the age of minor boys and girls and showing fake birth registration certificates. Their argument is that they are forced to do these things in terms of reality to escape poverty or sexual harassment.

The government has to be proactive to deal with these emerging problems. Prevention of child marriage requires family and social values as well as awareness-raising and the progressive role of the educated population of the country. Not only the government but also the collective efforts of all can stop this dangerous rise of child marriage.

Md Zillur Rahaman is a banker and columnist.

– Article originally appeared on New Age.

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We have the chance to reshape the world we live in – economically, socially, and environmentally.

Gilbert F Houngbo

May 1 is widely known as International Labour Day, a day when we celebrate the contribution of workers worldwide. It is a moment for pride, celebration, and hope.

After three years of the Covid-19 crisis, followed by inflation, conflict, and food and fuel supply shocks, we badly need this. But the promises of renewal made during the pandemic, of “building back better,” have so far not been delivered for the great majority of workers worldwide.

Globally, real wages have fallen, poverty is rising, and inequality seems more entrenched than ever.

Enterprises have been hard-hit. Many could not cope with the cumulative effects of recent unexpected events. Small and micro-enterprises were particularly affected, and many have ceased operations.

People feel that the sacrifices they made to get through Covid-19 have not been recognised, let alone rewarded. Their voices are not being heard clearly enough. This, combined with a perceived lack of opportunities, has created a disturbing level of mistrust.

It doesn’t have to be like this. We are still the masters of our fate. But if we are to shape a new, more stable, and equitable world, we must choose a different path – one that prioritises social justice.

I believe this is not only doable, but essential for a sustainable and stable future. So, how do we get there?

First and foremost, our policies and actions must be human-centred, to allow people to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, economic security, and equal opportunity. This approach is not new, it was set out and agreed in the aftermath of World War II, when the ILO’s international membership signed the 1944 Declaration of Philadelphia.

We need a Global Coalition for Social Justice. This coalition will create a platform to bring together a broad range of international bodies and stakeholders. It will position social justice as the keystone of the global recovery, so that it is prioritised in national, regional and global policies and actions. In sum, it will ensure that our future is human-centred.

This visionary document set out guiding principles for our economic and social systems – that they should not be turned exclusively to hitting specific growth rates or other statistical targets, but to address human needs and aspirations. This means focusing on inequality, poverty alleviation, and core social protection. The most effective way to do this is by providing quality jobs so that people can support themselves and build their own futures – “Decent Work for All,” as Sustainable Development Goal 8 terms it.

It means realistically addressing the long-term structural transformations of our time; ensuring that new technology creates and supports employment; proactively facing the challenges of climate change and ensuring we offer the jobs, skills training and transition support necessary for workers and businesses to benefit from the new low-carbon era; and treating demographic changes as a “dividend” rather than a problem, with supporting action on skills, migration and social protection, to create more cohesive and resilient societies.

We also need to reassess and refashion the architecture of our social and economic systems, so that they support this change of course towards social justice, rather than continuing to channel us into a policy “doom loop” of inequality and instability. We must reinvigorate labour institutions and organisations so that social dialogue is effective and vigorous. We must review laws and regulations affecting the world of work, so that they are relevant and up-to-date and able to protect workers and support sustainable businesses.

To make all this happen, we need to recommit to international cooperation and solidarity. We must enhance our efforts and create greater policy coherence, particularly within the multilateral system, as the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls it.

This is why we need a Global Coalition for Social Justice. This coalition will create a platform to bring together a broad range of international bodies and stakeholders. It will position social justice as the keystone of the global recovery, so that it is prioritised in national, regional and global policies and actions. In sum, it will ensure that our future is human-centred.

We have the chance to reshape the world we live in – economically, socially, and environmentally. Let us take this opportunity and move forward to build the equitable and resilient societies that can underpin lasting peace and social justice.

Gilbert F Houngbo is the director-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

– Article originally appeared on The Daily Star.

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While Bangladesh has a lot of experience in tackling cyclones and floods, we have not taken heat stress into consideration until now.

Saleemul Huq

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently completed its sixth assessment report (AR6), with the Synthesis Report coming out in March. The Synthesis Report carries some key messages about the impacts of climate change and the actions needed to avert the worst of them.

The first new message in the AR6 report came from Working Group I, according to which the scientific community is now able to credibly attribute the impacts of human-induced climate change to the greenhouse (GHG) emissions happening since the industrial revolution began. That message was followed by Working Group II reporting that there are numerous examples of unprecedented weather events that are now causing losses and damages, thanks to human-induced climate change, and that these impacts will only get worse.

The other key message, regarding the possibility of keeping the global mean temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as decided in the Paris Agreement in 2015, is losing attention day by day. It is still theoretically possible to stay under the 1.5-degree limit if all the countries take emergency measures to reduce their emissions within this decade, but that seems unlikely. The likelihood of crossing the 1.5-degree threshold within this decade is real now; in fact, efforts have to be made so that the temperature rise does not exceed two degrees Celsius. This is quite bad news for us.

Another message coming out of AR6 is the enhanced likelihood of extreme heatwaves around the world, especially in South Asia. And, as if on cue, Bangladesh is now experiencing the hottest weather in over six decades, and this is likely to become the new normal going forward.

While Bangladesh has a lot of positive knowledge and experience in tackling cyclones and floods, we have not taken heat stress into consideration until now. In fact, we don’t even maintain statistics of heat-related deaths.

Hence, we need to rapidly find ways to deal with heat stress, including providing training to doctors so they are able to diagnose and treat patients for heat stress, as well as collect statistics on heat-related health impacts including loss of lives.

At the same time, we need to raise the level of awareness among the general public as well as the relevant agencies, so they can take measures to protect themselves from heat stress during peak temperatures.

Among those who are most vulnerable – and hence need to be prioritised – are farmers working in the fields, as well as day labourers and rickshaw pullers. The protective measures can range from simply staying out of the sun to ensuring plenty of water intake and knowing where to get medical treatment for heat-related health issues if needed.

People also need to be made aware of how to keep themselves cool at home; this is particularly relevant for slum residents in major cities like Dhaka.

Finally, we need to learn from our neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan, who have much more experience of dealing with severe heatwaves. In fact, the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) recently joined with a leading Indian research institute to develop a heat action plan for the city of Rajshahi in northern Bangladesh. Similar heat action plans need to be developed quickly for other cities and towns as well as for the rural parts of the country.

The scientific community has made it crystal clear that the whole world has entered the era of loss and damage from human-induced climate change, and that no country is prepared for what is to come. While this is certainly bad news, Bangladesh can lead the world in tackling the climate change impacts in coming years.

Dr Saleemul Huq is director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

– Article originally published on The Daily Star.

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Veronica Mendizabal Joffre and Pinky Serafica

Can we truly reimagine a path to a low-carbon transition and change the climate narrative? This is hard to envision when we witness the unprecedented damage we are inflicting on the planet.

For women, the effects of climate change are already a lived experience. Where environments are damaged and traditional sources of livelihood disappear, women must scrounge farther and travel wider to meet the needs of communities. As new diseases emerge from the imbalance in the natural world, women must grapple with the care and health of their families.

Gender inequality is at the core of women bearing the burden of climate change. Already vulnerable from multiple inequalities, for women there is no debate: transitioning to low-carbon and climate-resilient communities is urgent.

By now, everyone has climate stories hitting home. This has resulted in a momentum for a low-carbon future. But the transformations required will not pan out similarly for everyone. The thick layer of social and economic inequality determines winners and losers in the process.

This is why the transition to a low-carbon economy needs to be consciously designed to be socially equitable and inclusive–a just transition. Moreover, the transition cannot be gender-neutral and must be gender-just.

We propose that governments and other stakeholders take these actions to achieve a gender-just transition:

Accelerate access to clean energy for all: Reliable and affordable supply of energy is critical for the socio-economic development of communities and has a multi-faceted dimension for women. Electricity can enable businesses and education, cleaner energy for cooking and heating reduces indoor air pollution, and electric appliances can reduce unpaid household work.

Information technology expands networks, and greener mass transportation and safer active mobility (i.e., electric vehicles, cycling) can increase women’s freedom of movement.

But with seven years remaining to meet the 2030 sustainable development goal of access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy for all, about 730 million people still lack basic access. The diversification and decarbonisation of the energy systems must include targeted support for the poorest so they can obtain and maintain affordable access to energy. We must keep in mind that changes in energy costs can affect women differently as globally, on average, women still earn 20 per cent less than men.

Increase women’s share in green employment: With the region relying heavily on fossil fuels for energy, the retiring of coal- and oil-fired facilities will result in job losses and socio-economic consequences down the line. While green jobs and investment opportunities are expected, social protection is critical to mitigate the displacement of workers and the informal sectors dependent on these industries.

Women make up only 32 per cent of the workforce in the renewable energy sector; and only about 11 per cent of energy sector start-up founders. The gender wage gap in the sector is estimated at 31 per cent, and women are more likely to be employed in lower-paid and administrative positions than in technical, managerial or policy-making positions.

While we know that current supply of green talent will not meet the demand, not enough women are moving into green jobs. In 2021, there were 62 women considered “green talent” for every 100 men.

The private sector must act quickly to set up human resource standards that can encourage more women to join transition-related jobs. Key actions include addressing workplace harassment and gender pay gaps, accounting for unpaid care roles, and supporting women’s leadership.

Support more women in education relevant to the transition: Transitioning to low-carbon livelihoods will, in the interim, interrupt supply chain and employment streams in the short and medium term. Options to diversify livelihoods have to be explored. Workers are needed to fill in the new types of jobs required for the transition–many in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Globally, only around 30 per cent of female students choose science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields of study. Southeast Asia shows some variation in the share of women graduating in STEM fields, from about 17 per cent in Cambodia to 37 per cent in Indonesia.

While there has been progress, the narrative on gender stereotypes has to change for more women to pursue STEM careers, and to venture into the potential of upskilling and reskilling. We also need to bring about greater climate awareness in the education system, and gender issues in climate can be made part of the curriculum in higher secondary education.

Fully engage and amplify women’s voices: A just transition needs the full engagement and voices of women and vulnerable sectors to shape and monitor transition plans so no one is left behind. Communication is crucial to make informed choices, change behaviors in energy consumption and mobility, and break down barriers that prevent women from entering STEM fields and transitioning into green jobs.

Communication can mobilise women and amplify their voices to influence policies on social protection and fair wages. It can facilitate storytelling about nature-based solutions and indigenous knowledge systems, and help rally sectors to change the climate narrative in the region.

Climate change is a crisis that affects women profoundly. Gender equality dimensions must be fully integrated into climate-oriented projects.

Just as the private sector plays a key role in a just transition, development organisations must also step up with solutions such as the ADB-backed Energy Transition Mechanism, which speeds up the retirement of coal, oil, and diesel plants and attracts financing for sustainable and renewable energy.

This type of path-breaking initiative increases the opportunity for an inclusive and gender-just climate transition.

Pinky Serafica is senior communications officer of the ADB and Veronica Mendizabal Joffre is a senior gender and social development specialist at the Southeast Asia Department of the ADB.

– Article originally appeared of The Daily Star.

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Mostafiz Uddin

According to the latest report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world is likely to fail to reach its most ambitious climate target – limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial temperatures. The report warns that now is our last chance to avert a climate disaster. Many believe that unless governments around the world opt for the most aggressive climate change policies, the world is just 10 years away from either catastrophic climate change impacts or some form of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission “tipping point,” at which such change will become inevitable.

Reading such reports breeds a certain sense of helplessness, but there is work we can all still do – and we must start immediately. From a personal perspective, I think the most important keyword right now is partnership. Climate change is a joint problem that requires collaborative solutions across supply chains.

In the RMG industry, we keep hearing the same message. The only way the global fashion sector will achieve its goals is by reducing carbon emissions in supply chains. Is this happening? Sadly, no. A recent report by a US-based environmental NGO assessed the progress of many of the world’s leading fashion brands in reducing supply chain emissions. The bad news is, emissions are actually rising – at precisely the wrong time.

Many people are talking about the need to “decouple” growth from carbon emissions. That way, fashion brands can continue to grow while also stabilising or reducing emissions. I accept that. I also accept that our customers need to grow. To standstill is to die in business, we all know that.

There is some talk of “degrowth” as a new form of economic system. That’s all well and good, but where does it leave supply chains? The answer is: a huge number of job losses. Degrowth has huge negative social consequences for developing countries like Bangladesh. So growth – decoupled from emissions – is the only option as far as I can see.

The problem is that decarbonisation is simply not happening. I’ve been watching this situation for a decade. Without radical change, I don’t believe our industry will hit climate targets.

What might the radical actions entail? It comes back to that word – partnership. There is a lot of discussion about suppliers and their customers working collaboratively. Yet, talks are all we have had so far. There is very little in the way of genuine partnership. For me, without fashion retailers and their suppliers working together, our industry as a whole will continue to see emissions rising. Decoupling will not happen.

What’s frustrating is that I look at other industries and I feel sure we are missing a trick. Some of the world’s largest multinationals in other sectors have been developing mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers for more than a decade, investing heavily in supply chains to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Many are taking a financial stake in their major suppliers, ensuring that their fortunes are collectively tied together. Why is our industry not following suit? There has to be a better way. In fact, there is no choice but to find a more collaborative approach.

This is about more than just suppliers and fashion retailers, however. The key to decoupling is shifting to renewable energy use in supply chains. This means we need governments, energy/utility companies and development agencies included in these partnership conversations. We all need a place at the table so we can figure out how we are going to finally crack the carbon emission conundrum.

As I write this, we are already a quarter of the way through 2023. When one considers this, the realisation that 2030 will soon be upon us comes into clear focus. Will we still be having these same conversations in 2024? 2025? Will we still be having discussions around purchasing practices? Will we still be arguing over who funds the “greening” of garment supply chains – be it suppliers or brands? Will we still be talking about the need to leverage external investment?

Personally, I’m tired of the talk. I want to see clear, practical plans which set out what we need to do collectively to reduce emissions. It’s time to develop a broad industrial strategy, with input from our international partners and a focus on decarbonisation.

I hear a lot of criticism of fashion retailers and some talk of greenwashing. My personal view is that most sustainability leaders in the fashion industry want to do the right thing and help make the world a better place. But they can’t do it on their own. They need their suppliers just as much as we need them. Let’s work together and start making a real difference.

Mostafiz Uddin is the managing director of Denim Expert Limited. He is also the founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).

Article originally appeared on The Daily Star

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