Gender Inequality and Climate Crisis
Gender inequality and the climate crisis are among the greatest challenges today, as evidenced by the effects of climate change on girls' education, particularly in rural areas. Despite efforts since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, significant gaps remain between policy and the lived experiences of women.
Impact of Climate Change on Women in Rural India
- Existing Inequalities: Women and girls in rural areas face less access to resources and decision-making power.
- Economic Concentration: They are often concentrated in the agrarian economy, vulnerable to climate impacts like extreme heat, malnutrition, food insecurity, and displacement.
- Income Losses: Heat stress and extreme precipitation lead to income losses, especially affecting non-farm livelihoods, with nearly 33% losses reported.
- Unpaid Labor Increase: Climate-related resource scarcity increases unpaid work, with women spending over eight hours daily on such tasks, 71% of which is unpaid.
- Health Impacts: Over 50% of pregnant women in India are anaemic due to food insecurity, which worsens with climate impacts.
- Gender-Based Violence: A rise in temperature correlates with increased physical and sexual violence against women.
Women’s Role in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
Women contribute significantly to climate adaptation through their traditional knowledge of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. Indigenous women preserve climate-resilient seeds and lead initiatives that enhance resilience at the community level.
Policy Recommendations
- Integrating Gender and Climate: The Beijing India Report 2024 should incorporate a robust climate lens focusing on gender-responsive climate action.
- Climate Budgeting: Implement gender-audited and gender-responsive climate budgets to prevent greenwashing and ensure women are not mere conduits for resources.
- Climate Support Hubs: Establish hubs for disaster support, health services, and protection of sexual and reproductive rights.
- Promoting Women’s Leadership: Encourage women’s leadership in green energy and local political leadership on climate issues.
Strategic Actions for Empowerment
- Close Gender Gaps: Bridging gaps in agricultural resources could boost farm yields by 20%-30% and feed 100-150 million more people.
- Strengthen Disaster Preparedness: Focus on vulnerable women, utilise public services, and address trafficking risks.
- Diversify Livelihoods: Promote non-farm livelihoods and skilling opportunities for women.
- Private Sector Role: Encourage investments in projects empowering women, promoting inclusive practices, and providing access to climate-resilient technologies.
Collaborative Efforts
Partnerships between government, civil society, research institutions, and the private sector are crucial. These collaborations should focus on knowledge sharing, communication, recognition of best practices, and collective advocacy to empower women in climate resilience efforts.