Impact of Climate Change on Women

Climate change disproportionately affects women, with statistics indicating that they represent 80% of those displaced due to climate-related disasters and are 14 times more likely to lose their lives than men. Despite their critical roles in communities as protectors and organizers during crises, global climate action often neglects women's needs and excludes them from decision-making processes.

Gender-Specific Challenges

• Women primarily handle caregiving roles and household chores, which intensify during extreme weather events, increasing their vulnerability.
• Girls and younger women often sacrifice education and employment to support household needs.
• During heatwaves, traditional tasks like fetching water and cooking heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses.
• Men typically control finances and resources, leaving women without access to necessary autonomy, particularly in rural areas where women rarely own land.
• In urban areas, women predominantly hold informal sector jobs, which are the first affected during economic disruptions, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Women’s Agency and Leadership

Despite these challenges, women are not passive victims. Their engagement and perspectives can enhance climate action significantly.

• India is fostering women's leadership through government initiatives and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
• In Odisha, over 300 women have been trained as Climate Champions, gaining skills in sustainable agriculture and community disaster preparedness.
• The National Disaster Management Plan 2019 in India promotes women's empowerment and leadership in disaster risk management.
• Programs like the Aapda Sakhi volunteers under the Aapda Mitra scheme ensure female representation in disaster management committees.

Innovative Solutions and Recommendations

• Philanthropic efforts and private sector initiatives, such as SEWA parametric heat insurance, provide women with financial security during extreme heat events, with 50,000 women beneficiaries across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
• Women need better access to land titles, credit, insurance, and climate-resilient livelihoods to enhance their socio-economic status.
• Disaster preparedness and relief systems must prioritize women's safety, sanitation, and mobility to ensure equitable climate resilience.

Ultimately, creating systems that center women in decision-making processes is crucial for effective climate action and achieving sustainable development goals.