Global News_Leaving half the world’s population behind in a bid to tackle a catastrophic global problem is by far a recipe for disaster. While gender inclusivity continues to be the buzz words especially as International Women’s Month emerges around the corner each year, there continues to be more rhetoric than tangible action and little understanding of the extent to which women can be a part of the solution for change.
While climate change impacts every being on earth, human or otherwise, vulnerability to climate change has been linked inextricably to poverty, marginalization, gender, ethnicity and numerous other social and economic factors. And while these are stark realities, what is not being discussed and put into action is that women are the vital conduit to tackling the catastrophic impacts of climate change.
There are five compelling reasons for women to be brought to the table when it comes to tackling climate change.
Firstly, with climate action needing the input of 100 percent of the population, leaving half the population encompassing women and girls out of the conversation does not augur well. Diversity at all levels is the formula which means women and girls must be empowered, involved and part of the change. It is women who are the hardest hit by the ravages of climate of change and it is women who will be at the forefront of environmental conservation, infusing practical solutions that are workable, equitable and sustainable for their lives and families.
Secondly, with women making up nearly half the labour force in developing countries, if agricultural yields are to be increased to ensure food security, the same resources including technology given to men must be extended to women. According to the UN, if total agricultural output can be increased upto 4 percent, world hunger can be reduced by 17 percent. This means, empowering women means better climate solutions because women will encourage more sustainable farming and conservation practices.
Thirdly, when women are part of the planning process for climate resilience, communities are more successful. There is more resilience, better planning and capacity building strategies with women being better responsive to natural disasters, giving leadership in disaster risk-reduction and building stronger more resilient communities.
Fourthly, we all know that climate change doesn’t impact everyone equally. The greater impact of climate change is on vulnerable people in both developed and developing countries which also means those vulnerabilities and inequalities are exacerbated.
It is women who face a higher risk and carry greater burdens of the impact of climate change due to poverty, cultural norms and conventions. It is women who for the most part are primary caregivers and responsible for managing household energy and water which also means they travel extensively to obtain daily supplies, putting their personal safety at risk and have little or no time to engage in paid work.
Hence, bring gender equality and women’s empowerment into the conversation and those far reaching UN SDGs can be met, because it is women who will drive those goals.
Finally, countries are increasingly recognizing that climate planning needs the input of women and girls. By integrating gender across diverse priority areas within countries’ National Adaptaion Plans based on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the Gender Action Plan as agreed on by governments puts women in the driving seat for full, equal and meaningful participation in planning and decision making.
Gender parity therefore becomes an imperative – whether in local, national or international climate change policy, planning and action.
