Strengthening preparedness for future pandemics among working women and factory workers living in urban informal settlements in Bangladesh

Project No.	110011
Project Title	Strengthening preparedness for future pandemics among working women and factory workers living in urban informal settlements in Bangladesh
Lead applicant	Sohana Shafique
Lead applicant institution	International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research
Canadian Co-PI	Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
Canadian Co-PI institution	Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
Decision-maker PI	Tahmina Shirin
Allocation amount (CAD)	987,800.00

Abstract:

Using mixed-methods implementation research, the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research (ICDDR), Bangladesh and SickKids Hospital Toronto will conduct this study in Dhaka and Gazipur in Bangladesh. Through a situation analysis, the drivers of women’s work and health related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh will be explored. Formative research will identify barriers and enablers to co-create an intervention involving working women, the community and relevant stakeholders. Implementation research will then test the intervention at the micro, meso and macro level using systems thinking. The Research Team aims to influence policy toward regulating the work environment relating to pandemic preparedness.

Expected results

Expected results includes:

An effective context-sensitive intervention using a system-thinking approach to address gender inequality at the structural and political level. Evidence to facilitate formulation of policies to prevent future infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics in Bangladesh and similar settings. Policy-relevant information that can be beneficial to regulate working conditions and the private sector.