https://ar.iub.edu.bd:443/xmlui The IUBAR digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. 2026-09-10T10:56:00Z https://ar.iub.edu.bd/handle/11348/1575 Gendered Heat Vulnerability and adaptation in Dhaka's Informal Settlements: A comparative study of Korail and Hazaribagh Saddaf, Nafia This study examines gender-differentiated experiences and responses to heatwaves among residents of Korail and Hazaribagh informal settlements in Dhaka. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzed 110 household surveys alongside interviews, focus-group discussions, field observations, and policy reviews. The findings show that men and women face different forms of heat-related vulnerability. Men are more exposed to outdoor heat through transport and informal work, while women experience prolonged indoor heat due to cooking, caregiving, domestic responsibilities, and home-based work in poorly ventilated dwellings. Heatwaves contribute to illness, fatigue, sleep disruption, reduced productivity, and income loss. Residents mainly rely on short-term coping strategies such as drinking water, bathing, using fans, wet cloths, seeking shade, and adjusting working hours. However, poverty, unreliable electricity and water, poor housing conditions, rental restrictions, and limited institutional support restrict their ability to adapt. Using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the study concludes that heatwaves undermine human, financial, and physical assets. It recommends gender-responsive heat planning, improved housing and basic services, occupational protection, accessible healthcare, early-warning systems, and greater community participation in decision-making. This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Science (MSS) in Development Studies, 2026. 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z https://ar.iub.edu.bd/handle/11348/1574 Exploring the determinants of voting behavior among young women: a study of Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 constituencies Karim, Aafra Fatema Despite women’s formal right to vote and increasing political participation, young women’s voting behavior is still influenced by concerns about personal safety, societal expectations, and political freedom. Limited research has been conducted focusing on how perceptions of safety and freedom influence the political choices of young women in Dhaka. This study examines how young women's perceptions of personal safety and freedom in Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 constituencies shape voting behavior. The factors determining voting choices are also identified. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach combining data from a survey with key informant interviews. The findings were then interpreted using Feminist Political Theory (Bryson, 1992) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991). The findings indicate that safety and freedom influence political behavior. Specifically, political participation, expression, and preferences. However, safety and freedom are not direct determinants of the final vote. Candidates’ stance on women’s issues, candidate reputation, and party ideology are the most important factors that determine the vote. Family and social expectations may affect a woman’s ability to make autonomous political choices. The study concludes that political participation includes the act of voting, whether women can openly express their views, and make political choices freely. This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Science (MSS) in Development Studies, 2026. 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z https://ar.iub.edu.bd/handle/11348/1573 Impact of climate change on the life and livelihood of women shrimp farm workers A case study of Assasuni Upazila, Satkhira. Billah, Md. Masum This study examines the impact of climate change on the livelihoods, health, working conditions, and well-being of women shrimp-garment workers in Assasuni Upazila, Satkhira, a highly climate-vulnerable coastal area of Bangladesh. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research collected data through in-depth interviews, real-life case studies, and key informant interviews. The findings show that salinity intrusion, frequent cyclones, and declining agricultural productivity have disrupted traditional livelihoods and increased dependence on shrimp farming. Women increasingly participate in income-generating activities but face occupational health risks, wage discrimination, limited decision-making power, and the double burden of paid and household work. Reported health problems include skin diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, reproductive health issues, and heat-related stress, while economic insecurity and natural disasters contribute to anxiety and psychological stress. Despite these challenges, coastal women demonstrate resilience through livelihood diversification, savings groups, social networks, rainwater harvesting, and other local adaptation strategies. The study recommends gender-sensitive climate adaptation policies that improve workplace safety, healthcare access, livelihood opportunities, and women’s participation in decision-making. This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Science (MSS) in Development Studies, 2026. 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z https://ar.iub.edu.bd/handle/11348/1572 Impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices on workers’ health and productivity: a comparative study of RMG factories in Bangladesh Parvin, Naheda This study examines the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices on workers’ health and productivity in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. Using a qualitative multiple-case study, the research compared four export-oriented garment factories with different levels of ESG and compliance implementation. Data were collected through interviews and workplace observations and analyzed thematically. The findings show that factories with stronger ESG compliance generally had better worker training, welfare facilities, childcare, environmental management, and workplace safety systems. These practices were associated with improved worker well-being and productivity. However, challenges such as excessive heat, limited worker participation, inadequate training, and financial constraints remained. The study also highlights the influence of international buyers, government regulations, BGMEA requirements, certifications, and audits in promoting ESG practices. Overall, the research concludes that ESG practices can improve workers’ health and productivity, but effective implementation at the factory level is more important than having formal policies alone. This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Science (MSS) in Development Studies, 2026. 2026-08-23T00:00:00Z