02 Survival Challenges and Coping Strategies of Women living in Slum: Evidence from Dhaka City

Abstract

This article focuses on the challenges experienced by women living in slum in case of survival and the mechanisms adopted by them to cope with these challenges. Data were collected from 150 women who reside in different slum areas of Dhaka city . The study found that, around 4500 slums in Dhaka city where estimated 3.4 million people are living. Most of them (40%) are migrated from countryside driven by push and pull factors. Study also found that, they are unable to maintain a minimum standard of living due to poverty. Low income, unhygienic environment, lack of pure drinking water, gas and electricity, physical and sexual harassment, extortion are the major hindrances in their slum life and searching better job, social network, community involvement, future hope were reported as coping strategies among slum women. At the end of the research, some suggestions for the welfare of slum women were proposed.