The first GAGGA brief argues that while women are disproportionately affected by climate crisis, they are not part of decision-making processes.
GAGGA (the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action) has published a brief last year focusing on the link between climate change and women’s rights. The brief starts with the main argument that as climate change is not gender neutral, “gender equality and women’s rights must be at the heart of climate justice efforts”.
By highlighting the lack of funding for women’s environmental action, the brief cites research which argues that with the increasing number of women in community decision-making bodies there will be better protection of land resources. The brief lists related opportunities like women possessing local knowledge about the environment; leading collective efforts and action on environmental justice and addressing climate change. Furthermore, the brief identifies gaps, most importantly stressing that while women are disproportionately affected by climate crisis, they are not part of decision-making processes.
With the cooperation of Mama Cash and experience working with Women’s Funds through GAGGA, the brief also lists differentiated impacts of the climate crisis can be linked to gender roles and women’s care work. These are shaped by:
• direct dependence on natural commons
• unequal access to land and water
• the increasing number of women-headed rural households, across regions, due to urbanisation
• gender-based disparities in access to health, education, financial services and more
• fewer resources with which to face environmental impacts
• limited political voice
• systematic sexual and physical violence against women’s bodies and exploitation.
To access the brief click here.
About GAGGA
The Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action rallies the collective power of women’s rights, climate and environmental justice. It is part of a network consisting of of 16 women’s funds, 8 environmental justice funds, 28 NGOs and 390 grassroots groups in 39 countries. You can read more about GAGGA here.