Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward women-led climate adaptation in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, faces recurrent hazards that disproportionately affect women because of entrenched socioeconomic and cultural inequalities. Although women's critical roles in climate adaptation are increasingly acknowledged, limited empirical evidence exists on their actual knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to adaptation and resilience. This study assessed women's KAP toward women-led climate adaptation in climate-vulnerable districts of Bangladesh using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A total of 393 women were interviewed through structured questionnaires administered via KoboToolbox. The results showed that 43.3% of respondents had a high level of knowledge, while 90.3% demonstrated a highly positive attitude toward women-led climate adaptation. However, only 32.6% exhibited high levels of adaptive practice, mostly limited to household-level measures such as reinforcing houses, storing emergency supplies, and taking early warning precautions. The final multivariate regression model revealed that higher knowledge (b = 2.93, p < 0.01) and positive attitudes (b = 2.26, p < 0.01) significantly predicted adaptation practices, while training participation (b = 1.23, p < 0.001), exposure to shocks (b = 1.33, p < 0.001), and NGO (Non-Government Organization) support (b = 1.10, p < 0.001) acted as strong external enablers. The study concludes that women in Bangladesh possess substantial adaptive potential; however, institutional and structural barriers continue to limit transformative adaptation. Strengthening women's leadership, capacity-building initiatives, and gender-responsive policy integration can enhance women-led adaptation and support the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) 5, 10, and 13.