The Critical Role of Gender Equality in Climate Change: Empowering Women to Heal the Planet

Jun 10, 2024 | Daniel Salvador
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The rain had been relentless. It washed away the fragile soil that Mariam depended on for her crops, her only means of feeding her children. In her village, nestled in the highlands of Ethiopia, climate change wasn't just a topic for debates; it was a daily reality that ate away at their existence. Women like Mariam felt the brunt of this invisible monster. While the world spoke of rising temperatures and melting glaciers, her reality was hunger, displacement, and an endless struggle against forces beyond her control.Globally, women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change. According to the United Nations, 80% of people displaced by climate change are women. This disparity is due to their roles in agriculture, water collection, and household energy use. However, women are also at the forefront of climate action, leading efforts to mitigate and adapt to these impacts.