The article first appeared in in UNDP Climate on March 7, 2022.
The connection between climate change and gender inequalities is profound, with environmental degradation intensifying existing disparities. Climate-induced challenges such as food and water insecurity, poverty, and natural disasters disproportionately affect women and girls, exacerbating their vulnerability. Women often face higher risks of violence, increased unpaid care work, and reduced access to education and employment opportunities during and after such crises.
In Ecuador, climate change and gender inequalities are stark, with women undertaking 31 hours of unpaid work weekly compared to men’s nine hours. Six out of ten women experience gender-based violence, and their representation in decision-making remains limited. The COVID-19 pandemic has further widened these gender gaps, complicating recovery and resilience efforts.
Guinea ranks among the nations with the highest levels of gender discrimination. Women make up just 28% of the National Transition Council and face widespread violence, including one of the highest global rates of female genital mutilation. Social and institutional barriers severely restrict their participation in climate action and decision-making.
Jordan conducted a gender analysis before revising its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021, highlighting the inequitable distribution of resources and power as key barriers to women’s participation in climate strategies. The findings underscored the need for gender-responsive approaches to enhance women’s roles in climate adaptation and mitigation.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, rural women play crucial roles in managing water and fuel resources, which are increasingly affected by climate change. Despite their importance, they often lack financial resources, training, and representation in climate decision-making processes. Empowering these women is vital for community resilience.
Montenegro’s rural women, who make up 35% of the female population, often lack pensions despite dedicating their lives to unpaid care and farm work. While they account for 66% of family farm labor, they own just 4% of real estate and 8% of land. This economic disparity leaves them particularly vulnerable to climate impacts on agriculture.
In Panama, women face significant representation and workforce gaps, holding only 21% of parliamentary seats and participating in the labor market at a rate far lower than men, despite having higher qualifications.
Countries like Tunisia and Cambodia are taking steps to integrate gender considerations into climate strategies. Tunisia’s National Gender and Climate Change Action Plan focuses on mainstreaming gender across priority areas, while Cambodia’s NDC includes specific targets for women’s participation in climate actions.
Ensuring women’s leadership, agency, and inclusion in climate policies is critical for building equitable and effective solutions to the climate crisis…
Read More: UNDP Climate
Find More Global Indian Top Reads