Fisherwomen in Mongla suffer from fertility issues and various skin ailments due to being exposed to highly saline water

40-year old Pakhi Begum has been fishing in the Pashur river, situated in Mongla Upazila of Bagerhat district, for nearly three-quarters of her life, as a means to economically support herself and her family. While the river has provided sustenance for her, it has also deprived her of the ability to bear children. Owing to rising sea levels due to climate change, the river has become extremely saline in recent years. causing a range of fertility issues among those exposed to the water. This struggle is shared by 400 other women in the area, who also have to face social stigma as a result. Many women also report suffering from a variety of skin ailments caused by the saline water. More alarmingly, incidence of ovarian cancer has become increasingly prevalent in the area, already claiming the lives of several women. They now have no choice but to migrate elsewhere to safeguard their health and livelihood.