Baddies in Development’s Post

CLIMATE CHANGE, GENDER AND HEALTH Climate change, gender, and health are interconnected and recognised in global health and development discourse. 🌍 Climate Change, Gender, and Health: An Intersectional Perspective 1. Climate Change and Health Climate change affects health through: Increased frequency of extreme weather events (e.g., floods, droughts, heatwaves) Spread of vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue) Food insecurity and malnutrition Water scarcity and poor sanitation Respiratory issues due to air pollution and wildfires Mental health impacts from displacement and loss 2. Gender Dimensions Climate change does not affect everyone equally — women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals often face greater risks due to social, economic, and cultural inequalities. Key points: In many societies, women are the primary caregivers and providers of food and water, making them more vulnerable to environmental stress. Limited access to resources, land, health services, and decision-making power increases their vulnerability. In crisis contexts (e.g., droughts, floods), there's often a rise in gender-based violence, early marriage, and trafficking. Reproductive and maternal health services are often disrupted in climate-related emergencies. 3. Health Impacts through a Gender Lens Pregnant and lactating women are more susceptible to climate-related food insecurity and waterborne diseases. Women have higher exposure to indoor air pollution in households reliant on biomass fuels. Men and boys, especially in certain cultures, may engage in risky livelihood activities (e.g., fishing in storm-prone waters), facing different health challenges. 🌱 Why an Intersectional Approach Matters To address climate-related health outcomes effectively: Gender-sensitive policies must be integrated into climate adaptation and health strategies. Local knowledge and the leadership of women and marginalised groups should inform climate resilience efforts. Health systems must be strengthened to respond to gender-specific needs in climate-vulnerable areas. FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network, Women Educational Researchers of Kenya, Women's Empowerment Link, SEX AND GENDER WOMENS HEALTH COLLABORATIVE, UN Women, Texas Woman's University, Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver, The Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice, Climate Group, UoN Anthropology and Gender Students Association, Institute for Faith and Gender Empowerment (IFAGE), CGIAR GENDER Accelerator, Gender Equity Policy Institute (GEPI), Gender, Work & Organization, Gender and Environment Data Alliance (GEDA), Gender Unit | Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives