Exploring socio-cultural stigmas and resilience among tiger widows in coastal Sundarbans communities of Bangladesh: a qualitative study

The Sundarbans, home to the largest mangrove forest, is also a site of human-wildlife conflict, where tiger attacks claim the lives of many forest-goers engaged in livelihood activities. The sudden and tragic loss of husbands leaves their widows in extreme poverty and social marginalization. While previous studies have explored aspects of tiger widows' lived experiences, gaps remain in understanding the socio-cultural stigmas that shape their exclusion and resilience strategies. This study examines the intricate network of prejudice, social isolation, and psychological distress these widows endure, along with their coping mechanisms. Using in-depth, face-to-face interviews, data were collected from 27 purposively selected tiger widows from the Burigoalini and Gabura regions near the Sundarbans. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological approach was employed for data analysis, ensuring a rigorous exploration of their experiences. Findings reveal that social stigma, stereotyping, religious superstitions, negative media portrayals, and limited familial and community support significantly diminish their social status. Social isolation restricts their mobility and participation in communal and religious events, exacerbating psychological distress. Many widows experience financial insecurity due to a lack of alternative income sources, restricted land rights, and limited access to government assistance programs. Furthermore, widows often face exclusion from decision-making processes within their households and communities, reinforcing their marginalization. To foster resilience among tiger widows, targeted interventions such as public awareness campaigns, specialized mental health services, and community-driven social support initiatives are essential. Additionally, sustainable livelihood opportunities through co-management—such as eco-tourism, aquaculture, and handicrafts—can enhance their economic security and social inclusion.