UNFPA: How women are disproportionally impacted by climate change

Women and children across the globe face the harsh realities of climate change, bearing the brunt of one of humanity's greatest challenges, as stated by Angela Bashiri, the UNFPA's technical lead on climate action in a recent CNBC Africa interview. The dialogue highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, shedding light on the critical need for acknowledging and addressing these disparities. Bashiri emphasized that climate change is not gender-neutral, with women facing heightened vulnerability due to factors such as limited access to family planning and essential services. The intersection of climate crisis and gender inequality perpetuates a cycle of intergenerational challenges, from unintended pregnancies to compromised maternal health during extreme weather events. Furthermore, crises often exacerbate gender-based violence, further deepening the disparities faced by women. This unequal burden on women not only impedes progress towards gender equality but also underscores the urgency of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies. The need for accountability and transparency in addressing women's unique challenges in the face of climate change was also underscored, with Bashiri stressing the importance of amplifying women's voices in shaping climate solutions at the local level. Despite the growing recognition of these issues, a recent review by UNFPA revealed that only a fraction of national climate strategies acknowledge the disproportionate impact on women, highlighting the need for stronger action and resource allocation in this critical area. The interview also delved into the financial dimensions of addressing women's issues in the context of climate change. Bashiri highlighted the woefully inadequate levels of funding for women's health and adaptation initiatives, calling for a significant scaling up of resources to meet the urgent needs of women and girls. The discussion also touched upon the role of women in industries such as agriculture, where investments by development banks can empower women and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Bashiri explained how innovative solutions, like investing in solar panels for health systems, can offer dual benefits by ensuring access to crucial services during emergencies. Addressing deep-rooted social norms that perpetuate gender inequality was identified as a key challenge in advancing women's rights and empowerment. Bashiri stressed the importance of cultural shifts and policy changes to create an enabling environment for women to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. The interview also spotlighted countries like Namibia, South Sudan, and the Seychelles as examples of nations making strides in gender-inclusive climate policies, showcasing clear commitments to women's empowerment and participation in climate decision-making. The crucial role of women in driving solutions for women was emphasized as an entry point for transformative change, with a focus on amplifying women's voices and leadership in climate action. Looking ahead to COP28, Bashiri expressed optimism that ongoing conversations and engagements would lead to enhanced collaboration across sectors, particularly in health and climate, to address the holistic needs of vulnerable populations, including women and girls. The upcoming COP28, themed as the first health COP, presents a unique opportunity for the health sector to integrate climate considerations and ensure a comprehensive response to the intersecting challenges of health and climate change. Overall, the interview with Angela Bashiri provided a comprehensive overview of the UNFPA's efforts to address the gender disparities in climate change impacts and underscored the urgent need for concerted action to safeguard the rights and well-being of women and girls in the face of a rapidly changing climate.