An award-winning thesis on gender and climate

The UTS Chancellor's List, an annual accolade, serves as a prestigious recognition of academic excellence in research.

Momtaj’s PhD thesis, titled “Women’s Role in Adaptation to Climate Change in Bangladesh”, focuses on the intersection of gender and climate change adaptation. Her research explores how social capital, place-based local knowledge, and place attachment have shaped the ability of Bangladeshi coastal women to adapt to climate change in the aftermath of significant disasters. 

“Women in Bangladesh are highly exposed to the effects of climate change, face unexpected challenges in various climate change of their daily lives; where coastal women are deprived of access to resources. (e.g. information, knowledge and education).” says Momtaj. “The contribution of women to climate change adaptation has been largely ignored across all levels of society, by family, community, policymakers and beyond; thus, women’s capacity for adaptation is heavily constrained.”

Her personal experience with climate-marginalised communities influenced her decision to begin research involving climate and gender. “Coming from a Southeast Asian Sea level rise area, I have seen how communities face challenges in various ways to climate change, especially women in the coastal village of Bangladesh; their situations are much worse - their adaptive strategies are different, their contribution to the family, living with minimal resources when the husband is absent, and sometimes losing all their livelihood resources is challenging, and living with new hope is inspiring” says Momtaj.

From the data collected throughout her PhD, she has published a dissertation, four journal articles and two book chapters. The findings of her research highlight the significance of strengthening and expanding social capital to promote gender-inclusive adaptation responses, such as ensuring equal participation of women in climate change initiatives. It further emphasises the importance of developing customised adaptation strategies in post-disaster situations. 

Initially trained as an Architect, Momtaj completed her Master of Urban Design Degree in 2011 from the University of Hong Kong. She then started an academic position as a Lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) before deciding to undertake a postdoctoral degree.

Momtaj says she was  drawn to studying at ISF because it was “one of the best places to research climate change, gender, and other important global sustainability issues.” She attributes her growth as a resolute researcher to the invaluable guidance and support provided by her ISF supervisor, Dr. Brent Jacobs. Through his constructive feedback and unwavering encouragement, she credits him for nurturing her development in the field.

While she describes her PhD journey as one filled with many challenges; for example, in the middle of her PhD, her 2nd child was born, and a journey of two PhD students (she and her husband) under one roof with two kids to raise. Despite all these challenges, she is grateful of the profound knowledge she has gained in successfully surmounting them - it is certainly an inspiration to many.

For future or current PhD students, Momtaj shares some insider tips on how to make the most out of undertaking a PhD. “Don’t just keep on reading the literature. Try to pen down-good stuff, bad stuff, literary criticism or just a summary, but do write every day - it will help to come out with good things.” says Momtaj. “Try to get involved with some publications from the PhD - this will help grow a researcher.”

Upon completing her PhD and receiving the 2023 UTS Chancellor’s List award, Momtaj continues her research on gender and climate change in both the Global South and North. She will be starting a postdoctoral position in Australia, hoping to continue her academic position as research fellow.