COP28 must recognize the unseen heroes in the climate crisis

Sanghamitra Singh: In the countdown to COP28, our planet stands at a crossroads and the urgency of addressing climate change has never been more evident. Amidst the whirlwind of climate discussions, we often overlook the fact that climate change is not a gender-neutral phenomenon. Its profound and disproportionate impact on the health and well-being of vulnerable population groups, especially women and girls warrants immediate attention and action from climate experts and policymakers.

Gender inequality manifests in several ways, from the lack of women in senior leadership positions to the absence of decision-making power at the household level, which still often rests with men. Traditional gender roles and norms in many societies can limit women's agency, mobility, and access to information. These restrictions can hinder their ability to respond to and cope with climate-related challenges effectively.

A study by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) revealed that women often have limited mobility and fewer opportunities to access early warning systems and emergency shelters during disasters. Climate-induced displacement can result in overcrowded and insecure living conditions, increasing the risk of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women’s health.

As per a 2018 International Labour Organization (ILO) report, about 82 percent of the total number of working women in India are concentrated in the informal sector, working in fields such as domestic work, waste picking, construction, etc, thereby lacking basic social protection, increasing their susceptibility to the differential impacts of climate change or any emergency situation, for that matter.

Climate-related disasters can disrupt access to reproductive healthcare, including prenatal and maternal care. Pregnant women may face challenges in accessing essential services during emergencies, as was witnessed globally and in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) notes that climate change exacerbates the workload of women who are already tasked with household chores, leading to physical and mental health strains.

Gender-inclusive policies acknowledge the historical inequalities that women have faced and climate policies should work towards reducing them. Women play essential roles in their communities, often as caretakers, educators, and resource managers. Their inclusion in decision-making processes ensures that climate policies are based on a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and offer effective solutions.

Global governance frameworks for addressing climate change, like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement have acknowledged the intersection of gender and climate change while emphasizing that adaptation efforts and capacity building should be responsive to gender considerations.

As the curtains fall on COP28 and the world's attention pivots to its outcomes, we must continue to amplify the voices of women and girls who shoulder the often-overlooked burdens imposed by climate change. Their resilience, struggles, and victories must not be confined to conference rooms or opinion pages. We need policies and programmes that address the specific health risks women face due to climate change and support their resilience efforts. This means investing in women's healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, as well as promoting sustainable practices that reduce environmental degradation.

Climate change is not just an environmental challenge; it is a deeply human one. Empowering and protecting women and girls is a practical imperative in our fight against the climate crisis. It is high time we recognize the critical role women play in shaping our response to climate change and act accordingly.

Sanghamitra Singh is the Chief of Programs at Population Foundation of India

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