Author: Mispa Mua Mbi (Cameroon) | Published on 18 April 2025
Question: How can we address the unequal impact of climate change on women and men?
Answer: By raising awareness of the gendered effects of climate change and empowering learners to explore inclusive, community-driven solutions that support vulnerable groups—especially women.
Women and men experience climate change differently. Let’s explore the unique challenges women face due to climate change and solutions to support them.
Challenges
Collecting water
Women often collect water for their families. During droughts, they must travel farther to find it. This affects their time, health, and ability to work.
Increased workload
During climate change events, such as flood and droughts, women typically take on more responsibilities. For example they are responsible for securing food and managing household resources. This increased workload impacts their physical and emotional well-being.
Social and cultural barriers
Traditional gender roles can limit women’s participation in decision-making processes. Women’s voices are often underrepresented in local climate strategies, making it difficult for their needs to be addressed.
Solutions
Water collection
Solution: empowering programs that provide training in sustainable agricultural and access to microcredit can help women manage land and financial resources effectively. For example, teaching women to cultivate drought resistant crops and offering loans for irrigation equipment can alleviate this burden. Connecting with NGO’s that offer water solutions such as wells is important.
Also, working together in the community to share the burden of water collection reduces the impact on women. These solutions can ease the challenge and support women’s mental health.
Increased workload
Solution: establishing support networks and community groups where women can share responsibilities and resources during climate crisis can reduce their workload. These networks can facilitate the exchange of information and support systems, making it easier for women to manage their increased responsibilities.
Social and cultural barriers
Solution: Encourage policies that promote women’s involvement in climate decision-making can help address social and cultural barriers. Including women in local climate councils and ensuring their perspectives are considered in disaster preparedness plans can lead to more effective and inclusive solution.
Now that you are more aware of the unique challenges for women due to climate change and have some solutions, how will you prepare your students to address these issues? Which of the proposed solutions will you focus on implementing first?