It’s Humanity Foundation and Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh Host Dialogue on Child Marriage Risks for Climate-Vulnerable Girls
In observance of the International Day of the Girl Child and National Girl Child Day, It’s Humanity Foundation (IHF) and Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh organized a dialogue at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Bashundhara, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss how climate change can increase the risk of child marriage in Bangladesh.
The dialogue featured two panel discussions examining how climate-related challenges can intensify the economic and social pressures that contribute to child marriage in Bangladesh. The discussions highlighted the need for coordinated action to address the interconnected challenges of climate vulnerability, poverty, gender inequality and girls’ rights.
Delivering the keynote address, Md. Adnan Hossain, Founder and Executive Director of It’s Humanity Foundation, stressed that climate change and child marriage cannot be addressed in isolation. He explained that climate-related disasters can disrupt girls’ education, reduce household incomes and increase their responsibilities at home. When families face these pressures, existing inequalities can worsen, leaving girls more vulnerable to early marriage. He further stated “A storm may disrupt a family’s life. A flood may wash away a classroom. But a crisis should never be allowed to wash away a girl’s choices.”
The first panel, moderated by Shamima Akhter, Advisor at It’s Humanity Foundation, brought together Roufa Khanum, Deputy Director, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER); Anita Ghazi Rahman, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Rumana Ahmed, Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs, Citibank N.A., Bangladesh; and Afsana Chowdhury, Gender Equality and Inclusion Specialist.
The second discussion was moderated by Syed Fazle Niaz, Co-Founder of It’s Humanity Foundation, and featured Advocate Fawzia Karim Firoze, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Maimuna Zahra Fariha, Head of Research, Gender and Climate Lead, Buro Bangladesh; Esrat Karim Eve, Founder and Executive Director of AMAL Foundation; and Farah Anzum, Country Lead at the Global Strategic Communications Council.
Across both discussions, panelists highlighted that building climate resilience must extend beyond emergency relief to ensure that families can recover from climate-related shocks without compromising girls’ education, safety and future opportunities. The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening protection systems, expanding access to education and economic opportunities, and ensuring that girls can actively participate in climate action and decisions affecting their lives.
Speaking on the occasion, Lead for Ismaili CIVIC Bangladesh, Ms. Munira Ahmed Fidai stated “Girls must not be seen merely as victims of climate change. They must be recognized as leaders, decision-makers and active contributors to building resilient communities.”
Established in 2010, It’s Humanity Foundation is a non-profit organization working to address poverty through education, women’s empowerment, youth skills development and emergency relief. Ismaili CIVIC is a global volunteer initiative of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community that promotes community service and environmental sustainability. The event was supported by Backpage PR as the PR Partner and The News Compress as the Digital Media Partner.