Women and Climate Change: Addressing Gender Disparities in West Africa
This article examines the disproportionate impact of climate change on women in West Africa, noting their underrepresentation in climate discussions and highlighting the unique challenges they face regarding migration, economic instability, and health risks. It calls for inclusive policies and support for women’s leadership as vital solutions to combat these disparities.
Women are heavily underrepresented in global climate change discussions, constituting only 34 percent of delegates at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference despite being nearly half the global population. There is a critical absence of gender-disaggregated data regarding climate change’s economic and social impacts, limiting understanding of its specific effects on women. Given that climate change disproportionately affects women, their representation in critical conversations is essential for promoting gender-sensitive initiatives aimed at combating climate challenges.
From 2008 to 2022, climate change has caused a 41 percent increase in displacement, with women representing 80 percent of those displaced. In West Africa, which is particularly vulnerable to climate disasters, the migration of women is compounded by patriarchal structures that exacerbate their vulnerability in countries such as Nigeria. It is vital to include women in climate conversations, support gender-specific research, and promote gender-sensitive legislation to address their unique challenges.
West Africa faces significant environmental vulnerabilities from climate change, including increased flooding and land degradation, which cause unsafe living conditions and force people to relocate. By 2050, it is estimated that up to 32 million people in the region could be internally displaced due to climate impacts, and countries like Niger and Nigeria will see the most significant climate-driven migration.
Women in West Africa, due to social and economic restrictions, are disproportionately affected by climate disasters, experiencing higher mortality rates. Many women face restrictions on movement, such as in Cameroon, where they cannot apply for passports without male consent. Traditional gender roles and responsibilities further hinder women’s ability to relocate during climate crises, as resource scarcity severely impacts their domestic roles.
The resource scarcity created by climate change can intensify conflicts in West Africa, leading to increased rates of gender-based violence. The UN Security Council identifies climate change as a “threat multiplier,” exacerbating existing security risks. In crises, women and girls face heightened vulnerability and may engage in survival strategies such as transactional sex or forced marriage for basic needs.
Economically, women face persistent disadvantages worsened by climate change, which affects food security and poverty levels. Predictions indicate an increase in food insecurity for women and girls well into 2050. With significant disparities in land ownership, where less than 15 percent of land is owned by women, climate change poses severe threats to their livelihoods in agriculture.
Climate change also adversely impacts women’s health, with challenges in accessing necessary health services during disasters. The instability associated with migration complicates women’s access to sanitation products and healthcare, leading to poorer health outcomes. Specific conditions, including increased temperatures and decreased resources, can pose serious risks to the health and safety of women, particularly those who are pregnant.
To effectively address these gendered impacts, it is crucial to empower women as agents of change within their communities and globally. Supporting women-owned businesses and improving educational access for girls can foster resilience. Initiatives like the “We Are the Solution” movement and the Women’s Climate Assembly are examples of women advocating for their rights in climate discussions, highlighting the importance of support for female leadership and inclusion in decision-making.
The article discusses the gendered implications of climate change and migration, particularly in the context of West Africa. It highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, calling attention to the lack of representation in climate discussions and the specific vulnerabilities faced by women in relation to migration and economic challenges due to climate-related disasters. The urgency for inclusive policies and support for women’s advocacy in climate action is emphasized to combat these disparities effectively.
In conclusion, the intersection of gender, climate change, and migration presents significant challenges that require targeted attention. Women, often at the forefront of climate impact, must be included in policy-making to enhance their resilience and safety during crises. Support for women’s leadership and empowerment is paramount to address the gendered aspects of climate change and to promote sustainable agricultural and economic practices in West Africa.
Original Source: hir.harvard.edu
