Climate Change’s Silent Victims: Women in Developing Countries

Climate change stands as one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, affecting every part of society. Yet, its impacts are not felt equally. Women in developing countries face a greater share of climate-related challenges due to their socioeconomic status, cultural roles, and entrenched gender inequalities (Desai and Zhang, 2021; Rylander et al. 2012).

Disproportionate Impact on Women

Women in developing countries are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change for several reasons:

Dependency on Natural Resources

Many women rely directly on natural resources for their livelihoods, from agriculture to water collection to fuel gathering. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, women contribute about 43% of the agricultural workforce in developing countries (FAO). This reliance exposes them to extreme weather conditions and environmental hazards (Bunce et al, 2016). Women are also involved in food production activities like horticulture, poultry farming, and raising small livestock, which require extended periods of outdoor work, exposing them to harsh weather conditions.  Additionally, collecting natural resources like wild fruits, nuts, medicinal plants and materials for handicrafts often involves traveling long distances and spending significant time in potentially hazardous environments, especially during extreme weather events like droughts or floods.  As climate change threatens these vital resources, the ability to sustain everyday tasks diminishes, exacerbating issues like poverty and food insecurity (Feng and Homan 2022; Okesanya et al. 2024).

Limited Access to Resources

Women in developing countries often have limited access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, technology, and financial resources. In developing countries, 78% of girls are enrolled in primary school, compared to the global average of 88%. For secondary school, the enrollment drops to just 31%, significantly lower than the global average of 66% (Kattan and Khan 2023). This educational gap limits their knowledge and skills, making it more challenging for them to adopt climate-resilient practices.

Limited access to healthcare can also reduce women’s ability to participate in economic activities. Common barriers include the lack of health insurance, high out-of-pocket costs, and logistical challenges like taking time off work, leaving the farm, or arranging childcare. These barriers are widespread among women in developing countries and can delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious health issues, worsening their health and reducing their economic participation, especially during extreme weather events.

The lack of access to technology for women, particularly in the world’s poorest countries, creates significant barriers to their economic advancement. Without mobile phones, internet, and digital connectivity, women are unable to access vital information and opportunities that could improve their economic status. This digital divide exacerbates existing gender inequalities, limiting women’s ability to participate fully in the economy. According to UNICEF (2023), approximately 90% of women and teenage girls in these regions do not have internet access, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives to bridge this gap and promote gender equity in technology access, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

Limited financial resources significantly impede women’s ability to adapt to climate change, perpetuating existing gender disparities and hindering effective adaptation strategies (Okesanya et al. 2024). In developing countries, women are 20% less likely than men to have an account at a formal financial institution and 17% less likely to have borrowed formally, highlighting considerable gender disparities in the availability of financial resources (Isaac 2014). Such disparities may be exacerbated by severe climatic occurrences. 

Health and Well-being

Climate change poses substantial health threats, from increased transmission of diseases such as malaria to respiratory illnesses that arise from proximity to water sources (Desai and Zhang, 2021). Women, especially adolescent girls, are more prone to malnutrition and related health complications, increasing the rates of anemia and other critical health issues. Pregnant women face heightened vulnerability to extreme temperatures and food insecurity, resulting in serious complications, including hypertension, miscarriages, and stillbirths (Burns and Mutunga, 2024; Desai and Zhang, 2021; Okesanya et al., 2024). Using traditional biomass for cooking in poorly ventilated areas poses additional health risks, exposing women to toxic pollutants and increasing their likelihood of respiratory diseases (Desai and Zhang, 2021).

Gender Inequality

Cultural and social norms often restrict women's participation in decision-making processes related to climate adaptation. A recent study found that 11.9% of women aged 15-49 in Bangladesh are excluded from these processes, a trend also observed in other South Asian countries (Kirkwood et al 2024). This exclusion further marginalizes women, preventing them from influencing the policies that directly affect their lives, including those related to climate action.

Increased Vulnerability

Climate-related stresses increase the chances of violence, early marriage, and other socio-economic impacts for women. This leads to a persistent cycle of vulnerability and inequality that is difficult to overcome (Burns and Mutunga, 2024). Research from Kenya revealed a 60% increase in domestic violence in regions affected by extreme weather (Allen et al 2021). Although extreme weather does not directly cause domestic or gender-based violence, it intensifies existing household pressures or facilitates such violence.  Child marriage is more common in arid regions and areas experiencing frequent droughts (Valero and Kaul 2023). Families might resort to child marriage to manage reduced crop production, declines in ecosystem productivity, rising food costs, and financial strain during periods of drought.

Towards Empowerment and Resilience

 Addressing the myriad challenges faced by women in the context of climate change requires targeted and effective strategies:

Education and Training

Empowering women through education and training opportunities can equip them with the knowledge needed to respond to climate challenges effectively. Raising awareness about climate risks and promoting adaptive practices will better prepare women to manage their health and environmental responsibilities.

Gender-Sensitive Policies

Implementing gender-sensitive policies that consider disparities and promote women’s participation in decision-making processes can help bridge gaps in resource access and empower women in their communities. By integrating gender perspectives into climate adaptation measures, we can ensure that women’s voices are heard and considered in shaping effective policies. 

Community Engagement

Engaging local communities, particularly women, in climate adaptation planning ensures that diverse voices are heard and needs addressed, fostering more inclusive and effective solutions. (Burns and Mutunga, 2024). When women are involved in decision-making processes related to climate adaptation, they can contribute valuable insights drawn from their experiences, ensuring that strategies are developed to meet their unique needs. 

Public Health Policies

Formulating public health policies that consider the impacts of climate change on women’s health, particularly women in rural and remote areas, is essential. Interventions should focus on enhancing food security through education campaigns, support for community activities, and comprehensive policy initiatives aimed at addressing poverty and addiction.

Conclusion

The intersection of climate change and gender inequality presents significant challenges for women in developing countries. However, by recognizing and proactively addressing these disparities, we can empower women and bolster their resilience to climate impacts. A gender-sensitive approach to climate action is not only essential for achieving equity but also for fostering sustainable development in vulnerable regions. By placing women at the center of climate response strategies, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.

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