Women are key to climate response

CLIMATE change affects everyone differently; some key sections of our population are affected more than others.

In many communities, women bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to the impacts of climate change due to their roles as caregivers, food providers, and water gatherers.

In the context of climate change, women, gender equality, and energy are vital issues that intersect and impact each other in various ways.  In Zimbabwe, women predominantly carry out the daily task of gathering traditional fuels like firewood.

This responsibility has far-reaching consequences, adversely affecting their health, educational attainment, and economic prospects.

Supporting accessible clean energy alternatives, such as solar power or biogas, has the potential to alleviate these challenges and enrich the well-being of women. This shift could also pave the way for expanded educational opportunities, increased income generation, and the cultivation of entrepreneurial endeavours.

Women and girls often face the threat of violence when they are required to undertake long journeys to gather firewood or water. The absence of access to clean energy alternatives worsens this danger.

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Introducing clean energy solutions can alleviate the need for such travels and minimise the risk of violence, ultimately enhancing the safety and overall welfare of women.

Women's voices and perspectives are frequently left out of energy and climate change discussions and decision-making processes.

This exclusion often leads to policies that fail to fully address women's specific needs and viewpoints. By actively involving women in these processes, we can achieve more effective and fair outcomes in our energy and climate change policies.

Clean energy access can open up new economic avenues for women, especially where they typically manage household responsibilities.

Using clean energy technologies can empower women economically, alleviate poverty, and cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship.

The impacts of climate change on women must be carefully considered, and it is important to recognise their significant role in addressing and mitigating these impacts. Women often play a key role in sustainable resource management, community resilience, and adaptation strategies, making their participation critical in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The role of women in addressing climate change is essential and multifaceted. While we have acknowledged the importance of youth and persons with disabilities as key groups in responding to climate change in our previous articles, it is equally important to recognise women's crucial role in this global challenge.

Women have unique opportunities in the green economy, which is focused on creating sustainable, low-carbon, and resource-efficient businesses and industries.

Their involvement can significantly impact the emerging field by contributing their distinct skills and perspectives to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges.  Green jobs allow women to participate in various roles in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and environmental education. These positions offer economic benefits and provide room for professional growth, ultimately empowering women in the workforce, where they are often disadvantaged because of various bottlenecks.

Entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to empower women by encouraging their involvement in initiating environmentally conscious businesses. Ventures in sustainable fashion, eco-tourism, and the circular economy can provide women with increased flexibility, autonomy, and financial independence within the business landscape. Advocacy on policies plays a crucial role in empowering women to drive positive change in sustainability and environmental protection. Women can significantly impact these areas by actively promoting policies that support renewable energy standards, energy efficiency programmes, and waste reduction initiatives.

Furthermore, their leadership positions in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and advocacy groups allow them to influence and shape important policy decisions that can have far-reaching positive effects on the environment and society.

In research and development, women play a crucial role in advancing innovative technologies and solutions for environmental challenges. Their contributions span areas, such as carbon capture and storage, sustainable materials, and green chemistry, ultimately shaping the future of environmental innovation.

The green economy presents a wide range of opportunities for women to positively impact the environment, while pursuing fulfilling careers.  Women have the potential to actively contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and fair future for everyone. Women must proactively manage climate change in the context of national initiatives and policies.  This involves actively contributing to implementing National Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Climate Change Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and other climate policies and strategies.

It is crucial for women to be integrated into the decision-making processes related to climate change and to take tangible steps to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate the impacts of climate change, and adapt to evolving climate conditions.

Women have the power to make a significant impact on addressing climate change. By embracing sustainable farming practices, harnessing clean energy technologies, and actively conserving vital water resources, women can play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Additionally, by advocating for policies and initiatives that bolster climate resilience, foster inclusive economic opportunities for women, and diminish gender disparities, they can address the diverse and interconnected challenges posed by climate change head-on.

Furthermore, women have the potential to take on leadership roles and become entrepreneurs in the field of climate change. They can create and implement groundbreaking solutions to address climate challenges, playing a crucial role in advancing climate action within their communities and on a larger scale.

This active participation can make a substantial difference in realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in shaping a future that is both sustainable and resilient for everyone.

The pivotal role of women in climate change management cannot be overstated. It is imperative for women, including those with disabilities, to acknowledge their potential to make impactful contributions towards creating a more sustainable and resilient world.

By actively collaborating with various stakeholders, they can work towards effective climate change management, thereby driving positive change on a global scale.

In conclusion, recognising and addressing women's pivotal role in climate change is essential to building a sustainable and resilient future for all.

Women's distinctive contributions, entrepreneurial endeavours, and leadership in climate change action are integral to achieving meaningful environmental sustainability and equity progress.

• Muyambwa is a development practitioner and researcher with expertise and research interests in democracy, natural resource governance, climate change and youth participation. He has extensive experience working on climate change, economic governance and youth participation using gender-sensitive, gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches. — fariedarlie@ gmail.com.