"Gender equality is still a vision, not a reality" : A case study on the use of gender mainstreaming in SIDA's assistance in climate projects in Bangladesh

Abstract: Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and as one of the world's most densely populated countries, the consequences are devastating for millions of people, not least for women who have limited mobility in a strong patriarchal society like Bangladesh (Momtaz, Shameem, 2015). Sweden has a well-known development cooperation with the country that has lasted for several decades. For a long time, SIDA has, on behalf of the government, developed projects in the country to promote both gender equality and climate issues. The purpose of this study is to critically examine SIDA, the Swedish aid authority, how they work with the gender mainstreaming in environmental projects in Bangladesh. The study uses a specific environmental project in Bangladesh that spans a large geographical area across the country. Primary data are semi-structured interviews in combination with official documents developed by SIDA. The sample of interviewees is a snowball selection and the respondents consist of relevant NGOs working in the environmental project as well as individuals employed by SIDA who have expertise in the various areas relevant to the thesis. The results will be analyzed based on our analytical framework on gender integration and how to adapt the integration at different stages in development work to achieve this process. Finally, the study will examine how Swedish aid works with the gender mainstream in the climate program in Bangladesh, and then we will conclude how to use the tools available. The conclusion presents an overall picture of how SIDA uses the gender mainstream for overall purposes and has tools for development, but that the human factor plays a big role in the management work with environmental projects if it is as well integrated as it should be.