African women leaders are taking a stand against the devastating effects of climate change on women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. With nine out of the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change situated in this region, these influential leaders are raising awareness about the disproportionate impact on women and the urgent need for gender-responsive action. Despite their efforts, a year after their conference, women in Africa continue to suffer from the repercussions of climate change, highlighting the pressing need to address the link between gender and this global crisis.
In March 2022, during the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, a momentous event took place, bringing together African women leaders to discuss the far-reaching impact of climate change on the African continent. Recognizing that nine out of the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change are located in sub-Saharan Africa, these leaders convened to address the urgent need for gender-responsive action in the face of this global crisis.
Led by Bineta Diop, the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, and co-convener of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), the event served as a platform for influential women to deliberate on the effects of climate change on African women and the girl child. They emphasized the critical role that women play and are capable of playing in mitigating these impacts and building a sustainable and climate-resilient Africa.
During the conference, discussions focused on sharing best practices and experiences while developing clear recommendations for effective climate change mitigation. The objective was to harness the potential of women’s leadership to confront the adverse effects of climate change head-on. However, despite the aspirations and commitments made at the conference, one year on, women in Africa continue to bear the brunt of climate change, signalling a stark deviation from the envisioned future championed by African women leaders.
Gender and climate change are intrinsically linked in numerous ways. Notably, climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly those living in poverty in developing regions like Africa. This disparity arises because women are typically more reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods, and climate change often accelerates the degradation of these vital resources, such as water and land.
Moreover, women are more vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. With limited resources and reduced access to information, women face greater challenges in preparing for and recovering from these catastrophic events.
Sub-Saharan Africa, highly dependent on agriculture and natural resources for sustenance, experiences substantial ramifications from climate change, exacerbating the hardships faced by women and girls. For instance, unpredictable weather patterns resulting from climate change contribute to food insecurity, impacting women and girls who are responsible for food production and preparation. Restricted access to resources like land, water, and credit further exacerbates their vulnerability.
Water scarcity is another pressing consequence of climate change. Decreased rainfall and increased evaporation contribute to limited water supplies, particularly affecting women and girls responsible for water collection and management. In rural areas, where this burden is magnified, the implications for health, education, and economic opportunities are profound.
Furthermore, climate change amplifies existing health challenges and gives rise to new ones. Rising temperatures facilitate the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, with women and girls assuming the caregiving role and consequently facing increased health risks. Additionally, climate change can disrupt girls’ access to education as they are often compelled to withdraw from school to assist with household tasks, including water collection or contributing to family farming efforts.
The potential for conflict escalation over resource scarcity, such as land and water, further compounds the adverse effects of climate change on women and girls. In these circumstances, women and girls become the most vulnerable to the fallout from conflict, experiencing displacement, violence, and sexual exploitation.
Effectively addressing the gender dimensions of climate change is paramount to ensure that policies and programs are not only equitable but also effective in meeting the needs and concerns of women and girls. Unfortunately, women’s valuable knowledge and perspectives often remain excluded from decision-making processes related to climate change, sidelining them as crucial stakeholders.
To pave the way for sustainable and equitable outcomes, it is imperative to recognize and address the gender dimensions of climate change comprehensively. By doing so, we can forge a path towards inclusive policies and practices that adequately address the challenges faced by women and girls, harnessing their resilience and potential to shape a climate-resilient future for Africa and beyond.
As the impacts of climate change persist, it is crucial to elevate the voices of African women leaders and ensure that their vision becomes a reality. Only through inclusive and gender-responsive action can we forge a sustainable future for all, while leaving no woman or girl behind in the face of climate change’s growing threats.
Edited by Samwel Eviator
