Climate change is not gender-neutral. Its impacts are often more severe for women and girls, particularly in rural areas, where access to healthcare and natural resources is limited. The effects of climate change, such as increasing droughts and floods, force women to travel long distances in search of water resources, affecting their overall well-being.
Menstrual health, a critical aspect of women’s lives, intersects with climate justice. Environmental stressors can disrupt the menstrual cycle and hygiene practices, increasing the risk of infections and health complications. Despite these challenges, women remain underrepresented in climate forums and decision-making processes.
Recognizing the unique experiences and skills of women in addressing climate change is crucial. Urgent action is needed to ensure their full and equal participation in climate-related matters to tackle the pressing challenges we face.
Hina Saifi, a climate champion with Women Climate Collective, highlights the importance of gender-sensitive climate action. She emphasizes the need for women’s active involvement in decision-making to address these issues effectively.
Heeta Lakhani a climate champion by women climate collective, says, “Women, as primary caregivers in many households, bear the brunt of climate change impacts. The effects on natural resources directly affect their responsibilities, often requiring them to secure water and fuel. This places women and girls at higher risk of having to travel long distances, increasing their vulnerability to gender-based violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and even child marriage.”
Moreover, the exclusion of women, people of color, and LGBTQI+ individuals from decision-making processes results in their unique needs being overlooked, especially during crises.
Lakhani, underscores the importance of inclusive decision-making in addressing the specific needs of these marginalized groups during climate-related disasters.
“In areas consistently affected by climate change, such as coastal regions, women face both mental and physical health challenges. The continuous struggle against rising seas, often flooding their homes, takes a toll on women’s quality of life. The daily impacts of climate change erode their mental and physical well-being, gradually sapping their resilience,” opines Dr. KG Sreeja, a climate champion with Women Climate Collective.
Dr. Sreeja, points out that these everyday climate impacts can only be effectively addressed if women are actively involved in governance, administrative-level decision-making, and policy formulation.
The gendered effects of climate change are clear and pressing. The voices and experiences of women and marginalized groups must be central in climate action and decision-making. Only through their active participation can we hope to mitigate the specific challenges they face and build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
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