An internally displaced woman carries her child as they wait for assistance at Hariirad town of Awdal region, Somaliland. REUTERS
By: Brenda Holo
Climate change is affecting us all, but certain demographics more than others. Marginalised communities and within them, women in particular feel the discriminatory impacts of climate change more severely.
Although this heightened vulnerability is due to a range of factors, a defining reason remains the limited capacity to adapt by those who are financially marginalised.
Coupled with weak government policies and abject poverty, climate change is acting as a stress multiplier for all. However, in many areas cultural and social norms still inhibit women from possessing real powers in decision making.
Climate change-induced migration and stress are some of the dire impacts of change in climate that are experienced by women. To mainstream these problems we should use the NCCP as a catalyst in each region.
It is pertinent that women need to be involved in both the decision making and implementation processes in an attempt to develop gender sensitive adaptation strategies for the country. In addition advocacy for women’s empowerment must include a specific mandate for those affected by climate change.
There is need to realize that women are not just exposed to problems in case of a disaster only in fact on a daily basis they combat the effects of climate change.
Accepting gender differentials will be crucial to the success of any adaptation plans implemented in the country. Policies formulated by the government should be channelled towards safeguarding women mainly by giving them the option to decide how they want to address the impacts of climate change on their own instead of just leaving the decision-making powers to men.
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