Date: 24/5/2023

Relevance: GS-3: Biodiversity and Environment

Key Phrases: heatwaves in France, Diverse Perspectives, Gender Equality and Social Justice, Enhanced Governance and Accountability, Domestic Care Burden, Lack of Decision-making Power.

Context:

• There is an immediate need for women's inclusion in climate change decision-making, and to address the gender disparities and vulnerabilities they face.

Key Highlights:

• Research reveals that women are more likely to experience deaths from heatwaves in France, China, and India, and from tropical cyclones in Bangladesh and the Philippines.
• According to the UN, 60 per cent of the world’s hungry and malnourished are women.
• The International Food Policy Research Institute estimates that climate change could lead to an additional 1.2 million stunted children by 2050.
• Girls are expected to be disproportionately affected due to gender disparities in access to food, health care, and education.

The Importance of Women's Representation:

• Diverse Perspectives:
  • Women's diverse experiences, knowledge, and perspectives enrich the decision-making process.
  • They bring a different lens to environmental and climate issues, considering social, economic, and cultural dimensions that may be overlooked by male-dominated decision-making bodies.
  • This diversity fosters comprehensive and holistic approaches to climate change.
• Gender Equality and Social Justice:
  • Gender equality is intrinsically linked to addressing climate change.
  • Women, particularly in developing countries, often bear the brunt of climate impacts and have firsthand knowledge of how these changes affect communities.
  • Their representation ensures that the specific vulnerabilities and needs of women are considered in climate policies, programs, and adaptation strategies, promoting social justice and equity.
• Collaboration and Consensus Building:
  • Women are known for their collaborative and consensus-building approach to problem-solving.
  • In decision-making positions, they tend to prioritize dialogue, inclusivity, and participatory processes, fostering cooperation among diverse stakeholders.
  • This inclusive approach strengthens partnerships, facilitates knowledge sharing, and builds consensus for effective climate action.
• Sustainable Resource Management:
  • Women play a significant role in natural resource management, including water, land, and forests.
  • Their representation in decision-making positions ensures that resource management policies and practices consider gender-specific needs and challenges.
  • This integration promotes sustainable and equitable use of resources, leading to long-term environmental conservation.
• Role Models and Empowerment:
  • Women in decision-making positions serve as role models, inspiring other women and girls to pursue leadership roles in climate action.
  • Their presence challenges traditional gender norms and stereotypes, empowering women to actively engage in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Enhanced Governance and Accountability:
  • Women's representation in decision-making promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance.
  • Studies have shown that countries with higher female representation in parliament are more likely to endorse international environmental agreements and implement stringent climate policies.
  • Women's leadership fosters greater accountability towards environmental sustainability.

The disproportionate impact of climate change on women and the specific challenges they face:

• Health Risks:
  • Women experience increased health risks during climate-related crises. They may face limited access to healthcare, leading to higher mortality rates and inadequate maternal and child health services.
  • Women are more likely to experience deaths from heatwaves and tropical cyclones due to long-standing gender disparities in information access and mobility.
• Access to Resources:
  • Women rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods and the well-being of their families.
  • However, they often face major obstacles in accessing these resources, such as land, water, and food.
  • Legal and cultural constraints result in less than 20% of landholders being women, limiting their control over resources and agricultural decision-making.
  • This disparity hampers their ability to cope with climate-related challenges.
• Domestic Care Burden:
  • During times of crisis, women face an unequal burden of domestic care. They work harder to secure food, fodder, and water, especially during extreme weather events.
  • This increased workload can lead to girls dropping out of school to support their mothers, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for education and empowerment.
• Safety Risks:
  • Inadequate infrastructure and gender-based inequalities expose women to higher safety risks during climate-related disasters.
  • Women are more likely to experience gender-based violence, sexual assault, and harassment in displaced or vulnerable situations.
  • They may also face challenges accessing safe shelter and sanitation facilities, further compromising their safety and well-being.
• Food Security and Malnutrition:
  • Climate change impacts agricultural yields, which directly affects food security.
  • According to the United Nations, 60% of the world's hungry and malnourished are women.
  • Gender disparities in access to food, healthcare, and education make girls and women more susceptible to malnutrition and stunting.
  • Climate change is projected to exacerbate these challenges, leading to an additional 1.2 million stunted children by 2050.
• Lack of Decision-making Power:
  • Women's limited representation in decision-making positions hampers their ability to influence policies and strategies to address climate change.
  • Their voices and perspectives are often marginalized, resulting in solutions that do not adequately address their specific needs and concerns.
  • Ensuring women's inclusion in decision-making processes is crucial for effective and equitable climate change responses.

Conclusion:

• The inclusion of women in decision-making processes regarding climate change is not only a matter of gender equality but is also essential for effective and sustainable solutions.
• By recognizing and addressing gender disparities, harnessing women's wisdom and practical experiences, and ensuring their voices are heard, we can drive positive change, endorse environmental commitments, and create a more resilient and equitable world for future generations.
• It's time to empower women and utilize their full potential in tackling the urgent climate crisis.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the importance of women's representation in decision-making positions for addressing climate change. How does their involvement lead to wiser decisions and collaborative approaches? (250 Words)