Climate Change Impact on Women. Why is it the time to talk?
Well, there is certainly a hue and cry to curb Climate Change. It is not far when the earth will no longer remain a habitable planet.
With the temperature rising it will impact life on earth. It may even lead to the eventual existence of Humans on Earth.
Climate Change is not Gender Equal. Though this fact hides in plain sight if examined closely it is quite severe for women. Be it the psychological, social, or economic aspect it is the women who are more affected by Climate Change.
Climate Change Impact on Women.
Water & Sanitation System
Climate change causes natural disasters and this pollutes the water system. The water system is polluted by the intermixing of the sewage lines.
Women are more susceptible to diseases due to this. More so because of the child and maternity period.
In the case of pregnant women, it becomes dangerous to both the mother and the child. The problem of sanitation is further a problem due to the natural phenomenon of Menstrual Cycles in women.
Lack of sanitation would increase the chances of them getting ill.
Economic Impact
In most of the third world and developing countries, the women are responsible for majority of bread earning.
In case of natural calamity, the earnings of a household will decline and women will have to work harder to earn more.
Thus leaving them prone to health-related issues. Both in terms of physical and mental health.
Just to add on, the girls of the household would also be under pressure to leave their studies and start work to earn.
Gender Based Violence.
Due to natural calamities, people become homeless. Women along with men settle in camps.
Women are vulnerable there. These are the places that suit the culprits to start Sexual Violence, Child Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Child Marriage.
Restrictions on Women as Norm.
Women are under various restrictions. These include dress code, no movement outside the house, limited freedom of speech, and lack of physical strength.
These increase their vulnerability to Climate Change and to exposes them.
Not in Decision Making Loop.
In most societies, women are not a part of the decision-making system.
By the virtue of not being in the decision-makers group, the decisions will seldom be taken that suit them. These decisions will tentatively not take care of their vulnerabilities.
Lack of Healthcare Facilities.
Due to the lack of healthcare facilities women suffer from various diseases.
Many of them are from pregnancy times. In the case of Climate Change, this lack of facilities will be a booster for their problems.
Lack of Food.
It is obvious that when the food will be less in a household then women will eat less. Thanks to Patriarchal Society.
This will lead to malnutrition and then the same loop. This aspect is one of the key focus areas at UNWomen.
Recommendations.
Long-term planning is required to be done when talking about Climate Change.
Women should be taken into the decision-making loop of matters related to climate change. The intangible aspect of the effect of Climate Change on Women should be given wide publicity.
Read our blog on Climate Change for in-depth understanding.