Postgraduate research students

Climate change is a global concern and studies that explore the impact of climate change on mental health are less than with physical health. My study explores how climate change influences the mental health of girls of low-income people in coastal rural communities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a riverine country with a low elevation of land from the sea which is exposed to extreme weather threats from sea level rise and creates salinity intrusion making communities one of the most vulnerable places on earth. However, young girls (aged 13 to 17) are particularly adversely affected, as they are vulnerable to limited education and early marriage. Also, they are responsible for water sourcing and management for health and hygiene. Their perspectives are often overlooked in planning disaster responses. I aim to address this gap through field surveys and interviews. A field survey will be done to gain a comprehensive understanding, including young girls’ socio-economic issues, education levels, and their experiences with climate-related events. Using interviews, I will talk with up to 20 young girls about their perceptions of the daily risks and explore their conceptualization of mental well-being. Through analyzing datasets, I will develop a clear understanding of the unique threats they face. These insights will enable me to develop, inclusive strategies that empower young women in marginalized communities facing environmental challenges. I plan to hold workshops with local NGOs and Local government to ensure that the findings from my thesis which can inform local disaster planning and actions are communicated back to the community.

• Professor Jude Robinson
• Dr Alicia Davis

On Study leave for PhD from Khulna University, Bangladesh