The Importance of Women's Inclusion in Climate Change Decision-Making : Daily Current Affairs

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.

Do you Know?

  • Only six countries have 50 per cent or more women in parliament in single or lower houses: Rwanda (61 per cent), Cuba (53 per cent), Nicaragua (52 per cent), Mexico (50 per cent), New Zealand (50 per cent), and the United Arab Emirates (50 per cent).

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)