This #EarthDay we are reflecting on those who are most affected by climate change.
Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, especially those living in poverty.
We believe climate action is a key component to fighting poverty.
Research shows that women are more likely to be impacted by climate change, and they are our best advocates to fight it. As stated in a recent article by One Earth, “Studies have found that 80% of people displaced by climate change are women.” The article outlines the powerful ways women can affect change when empowered with resources, access, financial inclusion, and leadership opportunities.
Reference: Why women are key to solving the climate crisis | One Earth
UN Women has shined a light on the important link between climate change, sustainability, and gender equality for this year’s International Women’s Day theme and its recent session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
On the sidelines of the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, African women leaders came together to discuss the impact of climate change on women in Africa and the leadership roles that women are playing in mitigating the negative impacts.
Reference: African women to play key roles in mitigating impacts of climate change | UN Women – Headquarters
“Climate action must include investing in women activists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a virtual town hall with women representing a range of civil society organizations during the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66).
Many of the women we serve rely on the health of the land for their livelihoods and wellbeing. We applaud the women and girls around the world leading the charge for a healthier future and sustainable environment, like Vanessa Nakate in Uganda, where WE Partner, Nyaka, is based. Uganda is one of the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change, but Vanessa is working to change that and move gender equality forward.
Read Vanessa’s full interview with the UN here: Interview: “You can’t have climate justice without gender equality”
In order to successfully tackle climate change, everyone needs to be a part of the conversation.
“In spite of their vulnerabilities and the many challenges, it is clear to see that the critical role women can play as powerful change agents to address climate at an alarming skill is minimized,” said Vice-President of Republic of Liberia, Jewel Taylor. “As key actors in sustaining families, building community resilience and responding to climate-related disasters, women tend to make decisions for the utilizations of core resources in the interests of our families, our communities and our children.”