Climate Change Threatens Gender Equality: 158.3 Million Women at Risk of Poverty
A new report from UN Women and UN DESA has warned that climate change poses a significant threat to gender equality, with up to 158.3 million women at risk of falling into poverty by mid-century. This number surpasses the number of affected men by 16 million.
The report, titled Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2023, highlights the persistent gender inequalities that exist worldwide, despite efforts to achieve gender equality. It reveals that women continue to face barriers to equality and justice, resulting in a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work.
One of the key findings of the report is the gender disparity in power and leadership positions, which indicates that women of the upcoming generation will still spend an average of 2.3 more hours per day on unpaid care and domestic work compared to their male counterparts. This disparity contributes to the perpetuation of gender inequalities.
Another concerning aspect highlighted in the report is the impact of climate change on women and girls. In the most dire climate scenario, the report forecasts that an additional 158.3 million women and girls could fall into poverty by mid-century, surpassing the number of affected men and boys by 16 million. This alarming projection calls for comprehensive action on a global scale.
Access to education is also a major concern raised by the report. Discriminatory laws and practices continue to deny millions of girls the opportunity to learn. Additionally, women face restrictions on their rights to inheritance, property ownership, and decision-making in many parts of the world.
The report also sheds light on the pervasive nature of gender-based violence, revealing that no country has yet been able to eradicate intimate partner violence. Economic empowerment is highlighted as a critical factor in addressing gender inequalities, as women still earn less than men and face significant barriers to entering the workforce.
The findings of the report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to address gender inequalities. Enforcing existing laws and commitments, eliminating discriminatory practices, and promoting women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes are essential steps towards achieving gender equality.
As the revelations of this report reverberate globally, activists, policymakers, and advocates are renewing their commitment to advancing gender equality. It is clear that the world must go beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to ensure that the rights and aspirations of girls and women are fully realized. This marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards gender equality.
In conclusion, the report’s findings highlight the urgent need to address the threats posed by climate change to gender equality. With millions of women at risk of falling into poverty and facing ongoing gender-based inequalities, comprehensive action is required from all sectors and stakeholders. Achieving gender equality is not just a goal within the 2030 Agenda, but a fundamental aspect of creating a fair and prosperous society for all.
