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A new Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) toolkit for river capture fisheries and a photo exhibition aims to amplify the voices of fishing communities as part of efforts to advance inclusive, climate-resilient natural resource governance across South Asia.
07 April 2026 DHAKA, BANGLADESH – During 8 to 9 April 2026, a consultative workshop on a new Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) toolkit for river capture fisheries marks an important step forward for advancing inclusive and climate-resilient natural resource governance.
The event held at Hotel Lake Castle in Dhaka, will feature a photo exhibition titled “Through Our Lens: Voices from Fishing Communities.” The events held 08–09 April 2026 at Hotel Lake Castle in Dhaka, bring together researchers, policymakers, and community members to advance inclusive and climate-resilient natural resource governance.
The Centre for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS) with SEI Asia is hosting a two-day event from 8 to 9 April 2026 featuring a consultative workshop on a new Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) toolkit for river capture fisheries. Held at Hotel Lake Castle in Dhaka, the event features a photo exhibition titled “Through Our Lens: Voices from Fishing Communities.” The events, bring together researchers, policymakers, and community members to advance inclusive and climate-resilient natural resource governance.
The GESI in Fisheries Toolkit was developed following an inclusive qualitative study titled “GESI in River-capture Fisheries Study’ (2025), conducted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) in collaboration with Oxfam, CNRS, and RDRS Bangladesh.
The work is part of the second phase of the Transboundary Rivers of South Asia (TROSA) programme, a regional initiative supported by SIDA and coordinated by Oxfam.
TROSA aims to strengthen transboundary water governance and improve the lives and livelihoods of riverine communities across South Asia.
CNRS has been working with fisherfolk communities since 1994, including its engagement under TROSA from 2017. This toolkit and exhibition represent a significant step toward promoting the inclusion of marginalised fisherfolk, particularly women in fisheries management in Bangladesh. They aim not only to ensure participation but also to enable fisherfolk to actively contribute their knowledge in shaping decisions regarding the resources on which they depend. We must ensure that their voices are reflected in overall fisheries management, including in policy and planning.
Mokhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, Senior Manager, Programmes, CNRS
Small-scale fisherfolk communities are on the frontlines of climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic transformation. Yet their lived experiences, knowledge, and perspectives remain underrepresented in policy dialogues and development planning.
Through the participatory photovoice method, community members documented their everyday realities, challenges, and aspirations using photography. These images provide powerful, first-hand narratives on fisheries livelihoods, gender roles, climate risks, and environmental change.
This photo exhibition aims to transform community-generated evidence into a platform for dialogue, learning, and policy engagement by bringing together fisher representatives, policymakers, embassies, development partners, researchers, media, and civil society.
The photo exhibition, “Through Our Lens: Voices from Fishing Communities,” features images captured by community members themselves, featuring 10–15 curated photographs with captions and short narratives that document daily livelihoods, gender dynamics, and climate resilience strategies in fishing communities. As one of the participants of the study shared, “I can represent our challenges and problems with these photos. Photos are art and with this we can tell our stories”.
The exhibition includes an interactive space for dialogue between the invited guests and the local community members.
The exhibition will remain on display on 09 April 2026. The images will then be available as a digital photo gallery resource to ensure the voices and images of fishing communities and their resource governance efforts are not forgotten.
Media representatives are invited to attend both events. For interview requests, photography, or further information, please contact:
Transboundary Rivers of South Asia (TROSA) is a regional initiative supported by SIDA and coordinated by Oxfam. It works to strengthen transboundary water governance, promote inclusive natural resource management, and improve the resilience of riverine communities across South Asia.
The Centre for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS) has extensive experience in natural resource governance in Bangladesh and beyond. Since 2017, CNRS has worked with fisherfolk communities under the TROSA programme to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable management of riverine resources.
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an international non-profit research institute that tackles climate, environment and sustainable development challenges.
RDRS Bangladesh is a national development organization working to empower rural communities through sustainable livelihoods, social justice, and climate resilience initiatives. They have been prominently working in TROSA phase 2 with special focus on Brahmaputra Basin.
Oxfam is a global movement dedicated to ending poverty and injustice. Oxfam partners with communities, institutions, and stakeholders to strengthen resilience, promote inclusive development, and support long-term social and economic progress. In Bangladesh, Oxfam has collaborated with the government, civil society, and development partners to empower people and advance a vision of a just, resilient, and prosperous Bangladesh for all.
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