Context:

• Women in developing and less developed countries (especially in low-income areas) are more vulnerable to climate change because of their dependence on natural resources and labor-intensive work for their livelihood. 
• This article explains how vulnerable are women to climate change and the steps to be taken to reduce the adverse impacts on them. 

Climate change and Women

• An International Labour Organization study (2019) said that “in 2030, 2.2 percent of total working hours worldwide will be lost to high temperatures, a productivity loss equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs”. 
• The United Nations (2009) highlighted that across genders, women are considered to be highly vulnerable and disproportionately affected by climate change than men to the impact of climate change. 

Why are women more vulnerable?

• Women are more likely to live in poverty than men, which is just one of several social, economic, and cultural variables that makes them more susceptible to the effects of climate change.
• Women from low-income households are more at risk because they are more responsible for food, water, and other homely unpaid work. 
• Women in low-income countries (predominantly South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa) engage in climate-vulnerable occupations such as farming and other labor-intensive work. 
  • According to the ILO, over 60% of working women in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are still in agriculture.

Impact of climate change on women

• According to a UN study, most (80%) of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women and girls.
• When women are uprooted, they are more susceptible to prejudice and exploitation. 
  • For instance, after the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found women were more exposed to trafficking and exploitation. 
• Separation from social networks, a higher risk of gender-based violence, and decreased access to employment, education, and essential health services, such as sexual and reproductive health care and psychosocial support, are just some gender-specific issues women face.
• Women farmers and laborers are vulnerable to climate change related events like change in precipitation, heat stress, negative impact on agricultural productivity etc.,
• Climate change impacts can particularly exacerbate poverty and socioeconomic vulnerabilities among women. 
• Climate change is also linked to women’s inequality. 
  • According to estimates, 130 million people could be pushed into poverty by 2050 due to climate change risks, natural disasters, and food inflation, impacting women’s inequality.

Way forward

• Invest in women: Investments in women’s education, training, and access to resources are essential to become resilient to the impact of climate change. 
• Create awareness about climate friendly practices: Reduce the negative impacts of climate change on people’s living standards by teaching them how to practice sustainable agriculture, water management, and energy generation. 
  • For example, in India, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) teaches women farmers how to respond to shifting climate patterns to support themselves better financially. 
• Support groups that help women: It is essential to support groups that educate the public, train people to adapt to climate change and invest in women’s education and training in environmentally-friendly farming methods. 
• Inclusive climate policy: Women’s participation in climate policy decision-making at all levels is crucial for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies as well as getting decent employment. 
  • For example, In South Asia there is the Gender and Climate Change Development Programme, which aims to increase women’s influence in policy making by providing them with a stronger voice. 
• Globally, similar efforts are required for efficient climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

Conclusion

“Gender equality and environmental goals are mutually reinforcing and create a virtuous circle that will help accelerate the achievement of the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals]” according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2021.