The Need for Frontline Role of African Women in Climate Action
As nations and the world at large grapple with the ravaging impact of climate change, women are by far the most affected by the attendant hazards. Women and men face different vulnerabilities to climate change and environmental degradation (Earth Hour, 2013). However, in Africa, women are the most vulnerable group to the challenges associated with climate change, primarily because they constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent for their livelihood on natural resources threatened by climate change. Furthermore, they face social, economic and political barriers that limit their coping capacity (UN Women Watch, 2009)
The water requirements of women to men are quite incomparable. As managers of households, more water is required by women for domestic uses, cooking, sanitation, taking care of the homes and their children; and for hygiene, in taking care of their menstrual needs and performing basic body hygiene. In the event of drought, African women, especially in local communities, are forced to walk long distances searching for water to meet their requirements (Tibesigwa et al., 2015).
Women play a significant role in reducing food insecurity through their involvement in small-scale agricultural production, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) collection, marketing and sales. As climate change ravages, women are mostly affected by the rising crop production reduction, resource scarcity and famine, ultimately giving rise to poverty and hunger. According to Nwoke and Ibe (2014), as small-scale farmers, the vast majority in some areas of the world, women have far fewer resources than men to cope with crop failures or pursue farming methods more adapted to climate shifts.
As the threats associated with climate change heighten, diseases and violence of different forms confront more women. Thus, any response to tackle climate change, which does not involve women, is incomplete. Whether at the national or international level, the answer should factor in women, not only for the benefit of inclusion and equality but also for significant climatic stress recipients.
The gender impacts of climate change need to be addressed. This means;
1. Including women and women-led organizations in the design of climate change responses
2. Designing socio-economic alternatives with a deliberate focus on the future of girls and women.
Thus, women’s consultation and participation in climate action are critical. Proper representation of women in the decision-making process and structure is imperative, as women have been seen to perform excellently in natural disaster responses, both in emergency rescue and evacuation efforts and in post-disaster reconstruction (UN Women Watch, 2009).
The involvement of women at the centre of climate action will significantly drive better outcomes, achieve a more resilient and inclusive society, catalyze rapid recovery of the environment and fast-track the process of achieving sustainable development goals. There is an urgent need to incorporate gender perspectives into environmental policies and action plans and increase women’s participation in all levels of decision-making.