The Overlooked Role of Women in Climate Change Narratives

Women and girls experience disproportionate effects of climate change, often suffering health impacts and facing challenges in securing essential resources. Despite their critical roles, they are underrepresented in climate media narratives, being quoted only 25% of the time. My research highlights that women’s perspectives remain largely unrecognized, leading to a lack of comprehensive climate policies. Women leaders, particularly in the global south, need representation as their efforts and insights are crucial to addressing climate change effectively.

Women and girls are on the frontline of climate change, bearing disproportionate health impacts from floods, droughts, and air pollution, among other environmental catastrophes. They hold critical responsibilities in their households for securing essentials such as food, water, and energy. As climate-related extreme weather events threaten these resources, their lives and livelihoods face increased jeopardy.

Despite the severity of their situation, the representation of women in climate change narratives is alarmingly low. A study conducted by the Media Diversity Institute revealed that from 2017 to 2021, only 25% of sources quoted in online climate change news stories were women. This deficit means that the narrative surrounding climate change predominantly reflects the perspectives of men.

My research focuses on media coverage of environmental issues in regions like Iran, where severe climate vulnerabilities persist, characterized by extreme heat and water shortages. My PhD findings indicate that women are seldom quoted in climate-related news, and those who do speak are frequently subjected to threats. This constraint significantly hinders representation and visibility of their experiences.

Gathering sources in authoritarian contexts is inherently challenging, and identifying women willing to share their stories presents an even greater challenge. In Iran, discussing environmental issues often results in accusations of governmental criticism, leading to intimidation and fear. Unfortunately, women face additional hurdles that further deter them from voicing their concerns.

For instance, during a 2024 heatwave in Iran with temperatures reaching 50°C, I discovered through private discussions that women faced severe health problems such as heatstroke and miscarriages. However, mainstream media coverage predominantly reported on government responses, neglecting these women’s experiences. This phenomenon underscores the patterns observed throughout my research, where women’s struggles remain largely unrecognized due to their inability to safely articulate their challenges.

Ironically, while women are underrepresented in media coverage, they are actively leading numerous environmental initiatives. Studies have indicated that women are generally more inclined than men to engage in volunteer activities for environmental causes. Furthermore, nations with heightened female political representation typically exhibit stronger climate policies.

Nonetheless, disparities persist regarding media attention given to women leaders. For example, while figures like Greta Thunberg gain significant media recognition in wealthier regions, women leaders in the global south often remain marginalized. Leaders like Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani from Iran, who faced imprisonment for their environmental advocacy, and Juliet Kabera from Rwanda, who campaigns against plastic pollution, exemplify the critical but overlooked contributions of women in environmental sectors.

Research into environmental reporting in the Middle East and North Africa reveals that women often appear as victims of climate disasters rather than being acknowledged as experts or leaders. This discrepancy extends to the global north, where women are more frequently included in climate discourse compared to their counterparts in developing regions.

Without the perspectives of women directly confronting the climate crisis, the formation of environmental policies may inadequately capture the complexities of the challenges faced or sufficiently address the needs of the most affected. It raises a crucial question as to why, despite their prominent roles in combating climate change, women do not lead the media narrative surrounding these pressing issues.

In summary, women and girls are profoundly impacted by climate change and often play vital roles in environmental advocacy. Yet, they remain significantly underrepresented in media narratives about climate issues. The lack of visibility for women’s experiences and insights compromises the formulation of comprehensive climate policies. By amplifying women’s voices and acknowledging their contributions, the media can present a more balanced understanding of the climate crisis and its multifaceted effects on society.

Original Source: theconversation.com