Life and Livelihood of Women in the Sundarbans: A Survey
Pranabesh Giri
Assistant Professor, Sundarban Hazi Desarat College, West Bengal, India
Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 18 November 2025; Published: 24 November 2025
ABSTRACT
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove delta, sustains millions whose livelihoods depend on its fragile
ecosystem. Women form the backbone of household and community economies, yet their roles often remain
undervalued and unrecognized. This study examines the socio-economic conditions, livelihood patterns, and
adaptive strategies of women in the Indian Sundarbans. Based on field surveys conducted across selected blocks
of South 24 Parganas, supported by secondary sources, the research explores women’s participation in
agriculture, aquaculture, forest-based occupations, and cottage industries. The findings highlight significant
vulnerabilities arising from climate-induced hazards, ecological degradation, gendered inequalities, and
inadequate institutional support. At the same time, women demonstrate remarkable resilience through diversified
livelihoods, self-help groups, traditional ecological knowledge, and collective adaptation. The study argues that
enhancing women’s access to education, healthcare, financial resources, and decision-making spaces is crucial
for advancing gender equity and ecological sustainability in the Sundarbans.
Keywords: Sundarbans, women’s livelihoods, climate vulnerability, gender equity, resilience, self-help groups
INTRODUCTION
The Sundarbans, spanning the southern part of Bangladesh and eastern India, constitutes the largest contiguous
mangrove forest on the planet, covering approximately 10,000 sq. km. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, the region is ecologically significant for biodiversity and socio-economically vital for communities reliant
on its natural resources. Women in the Sundarbans play crucial roles in sustaining households through
agricultural labor, aquaculture, forest product collection, and domestic care work.
Yet their lives are marked by vulnerability. Environmental degradation, recurrent cyclones (Aila 2009; Amphan
2020; Yaas 2021), salinity intrusion, and land erosion intersect with patriarchal structures to compound
marginalization (Dasgupta & Huq, 2016). Despite these challenges, women demonstrate resilience through
diversified livelihoods and collective mobilization.
This study seeks to document women’s livelihood patterns, constraints, and adaptive strategies, contributing to
broader debates on gender, ecology, and climate justice.
METHODOLOGY
Study Area
The research was conducted in selected blocks of the Indian Sundarbans, primarily Gosaba, Basanti, Kultali, and
Namkhana, located in South 24 Parganas district. These areas represent varying degrees of exposure to cyclones,
salinity, and migration pressures.
Research Design
A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and
observations.
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