What’s the news?

• In the current era, the fusion of gender equality and environmental sustainability presents a dynamic duo that holds the key to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Central Idea

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aptly points out that gender equality and environmental goals are not isolated endeavors; they forge a symbiotic relationship that can amplify progress towards a sustainable future.

Vulnerability in a Changing Climate

• Climate change, a pressing global concern, has repercussions that reverberate across demographics, with women bearing a disproportionate brunt of its impact.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO, 2019) forecasts that by 2030, scorching temperatures will result in a 2.2% loss of global working hours—equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.
• The United Nations (2009) highlighted that across genders, women are considered to be more vulnerable and disproportionately affected by climate change than men.
• Estimates project that by 2050, climate change risks, coupled with natural disasters and food inflation, could push 130 million people into poverty, disproportionately affecting women’s inequality.

Climate Change and its Impact on Women, Particularly in Low-Income Countries

• Gendered Vulnerability in Low-Income Countries:

• Women across the globe face heightened risks to their health, safety, and quality of life. Yet, the vulnerability is notably more pronounced in developing and less developed countries, especially those grappling with low-income realities.
• This vulnerability is rooted in their reliance on natural resources and labor-intensive work, making them more susceptible to climate change impacts.
• A crucial aspect of this vulnerability lies in the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change.

• Climate Crisis Intensifying Basic Needs Struggles:

• Rural women, in particular, are burdened with the responsibility of ensuring access to essentials like clean water, cooking fuel, and nutritious food for their families.
• This often involves arduous journeys and exposes them to health and safety risks.

• Underpaid and Overworked:

• Despite their pivotal role in food production systems, women engaged in agriculture face persistent challenges.
• Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that over 60% of working women in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are in agriculture. Unfortunately, they often receive inadequate pay and work under challenging conditions.

• Owning Land: A Gender Disparity:

• A significant gender disparity exists in land ownership, with women owning only a small fraction of cultivated land.
• Despite being the backbone of the food production system, women own only about 10% of the land used for farming.
• This discrepancy further diminishes their resilience against the impacts of climate change.

• Projected Displacement and Urgent Action:

• As a grim outlook, studies like McAllister’s 2023 research forecast a potentially staggering 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050.
• This underscores the urgency of addressing these intertwined challenges.

Gender-specific issues

• Displacement and Vulnerability: A UN study reveals a stark reality – a substantial 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women and girls.
• Challenges for Vulnerable Women: Women, especially from marginalized communities, grapple with distinct challenges in the aftermath of natural disasters. Their displacement increases their susceptibility to prejudice and exploitation, exacerbating the hardships they already face.
• Exploitation Post-Disasters: The disruption caused by disasters creates an environment ripe for exploitation, with women as primary targets. Notably, the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake exposed women to trafficking and exploitation, further highlighting the risks they face.
• Gender-Based Violence Intensifies: The upheaval following disasters leads to an alarming escalation of gender-based violence against women. Disrupted communities and increased vulnerability create an environment where women are at greater risk.
• Limited Access to Essential Services: Essential services like employment, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support become scarcer post-disaster. For women, this translates into further limitations and challenges, exacerbating their already marginalized status.

• Resource and Knowledge Disparities: Women in agriculture face barriers in accessing quality resources, education, and technical knowledge. As climate change compounds these challenges, their vulnerability is magnified.

Way Forward: Empowering Women for Climate Resilience and Action

• Women’s Role in Climate Adaptation: Acknowledging the potential women possess to contribute to climate adaptation is crucial. Women bring unique perspectives and knowledge to the table, making their engagement indispensable in finding effective solutions.
• Empowerment Through Education and Training: Investing in women’s education and training is paramount for building resilience to the impact of climate change. Equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices, such as agriculture, water management, and energy generation, fosters their capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
• Supporting Women Farmers: Initiatives like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India exemplify the importance of imparting knowledge to women farmers on how to navigate shifting climate patterns.
• Women in Climate Policy Decision-Making: Acknowledging the disparities women face in climate change impacts, the need for their active involvement in decision-making becomes evident.
• Programs to Amplify Women’s Voices: Initiatives like the Gender and Climate Change Development Programme in South Asia seek to elevate women’s influence in policymaking, granting them a stronger voice in shaping climate strategies that directly impact their lives.
• Global Imperative for Women-Led Climate Action: The call for women-led climate action is not confined to specific regions; it’s a global imperative. Developing and emerging countries, where women often bear the brunt of climate impacts, necessitate collective efforts to empower women as agents of change.

Conclusion

• The convergence of gender equality and environmental sustainability is no longer an abstract concept; it is a tangible pathway towards a more equitable and resilient world. In a future marred by climate uncertainty, investments in women’s education, training, and participation stand as beacons of hope.

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