As Mary Robinson the former UN Commissioner for human rights said, “People who are marginalized or poor, women and indigenous communities are being disproportionately affected by climate impacts.” Women experience this inequality because of unequal power dynamics, gender norms and unequal access to resources.

Current scenario and Barriers: 

1. A recent report by “Rising Above the Heat” highlights the unequal impact of extreme heat on women in Asia and the Pacific.  Heat stress leads to lower productivity. This leads to longer working hours for both paid and unpaid labor.
2. ILO reports that women in the unincorporated sector are the most vulnerable to climate change. This adds to the energy poverty of these women and unequal access to energy resources.
3. Restrictive norms may regulate her mobility and enforce clothing that is not heat friendly.
4. In the long run it can lead to crop failure, lack of access to water provision, conflicts and even displacement.

Way forward: 

1. Gender equality is proven to boost sustainability. Increase in women participation in the economy has proven to decrease carbon emissions.
2. Zimbabwe is establishing a renewable energy fund that will create specific entrepreneurship opportunities for women.
3. In Cabo Verde, the Institute for Gender Equality and Equity, a supporting agency across numerous sectors, leads on defining specific needs, targets, and indicators related to gender mainstreaming in climate action across all industries and intervention areas.
4. Climate friendly urban planning, access to sustainable cooling technology and public provision of essential services can go a long way.

Giving women increased access to resources can reduce vulnerability and create more resilient households and communities. Representation and renovation can go a long way to mitigate climate change.

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