The cultural and political context in various parts of the world has recently become very hostile towards gender equality and inclusion, with a wave of masculinisation in public discourse threatening decades of progress. This tide, far from being inevitable, must be countered with concrete action and a renewed commitment to equity.
The 8th of March, International Women’s Day, is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in gender equality and the challenges we still face. In the field of climate change, women play a key role in both the fight against the crisis and in adaptation strategies. However, the recognition and visibility of their role in this battle is still insufficient. This article explores how women are making a difference in climate change, highlighting the importance of their leadership, and how 10 Billion Solutions is committed to advancing gender equality in the fight against the climate crisis.
The role of women in the fight against climate change
Women are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. From activists defending the planet to scientists and political leaders, women have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience. Many of them, such as Greta Thunberg, Wangari Maathai (Nobel Peace Prize winner) and Christiana Figueres, have been key figures in raising global awareness of global warming and climate policy. Moreover, in many vulnerable communities, it is women who are leading efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, due to their role as primary caretakers and managers of natural resources.
Specifically, in developing countries, women often bear the brunt of natural disasters and changing weather patterns. Their traditional knowledge and experience in natural resource management enables them to be key actors in the resilience of communities in the face of climate crisis. However, their participation remains limited at decision-making tables and in the scientific and policy sectors related to climate change.
In addition to women who are at the forefront of change in business and science, many public figures are also using their influence to promote sustainability and the fight against climate change. Actresses such as Susan Sarandon, known for her social and environmental activism, and singers such as Billie Eilish, who has been a strong advocate for climate action, show us how the voice of women in the entertainment world can be a driving force for change. These artists don’t just talk about the importance of protecting the environment, they have also managed to mobilise their large audiences to take concrete action for a more sustainable future. Their commitment highlights the power of visibility in the fight against the climate crisis, reminding us that we can all contribute to change, whatever our profession or platform.
Impact of the Climate Crisis on Women
Climate change increases gender inequalities, as women are the first to suffer its most severe effects. In many regions, especially in rural and developing areas, women have a disproportionate responsibility for managing natural resources such as water, food and energy. Droughts, floods and rising temperatures exacerbate these problems, creating more work for women and increasing tensions in communities.
Women are also more vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters, as they often have less access to financial resources and leadership opportunities. In places such as Africa and Asia, women and girls face increased risk of violence and exploitation due to resource scarcity caused by climate change. It is crucial to recognise that in order to effectively address climate change, we must integrate a gender perspective into global climate policies.
The Gender Gap in Numbers: An Urgent Challenge
Despite progress, gender inequalities remain deep in many areas, including leadership and decision-making. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap completely at the current rate. In politics, only 26.5% of parliamentary seats globally are held by women, and in business, less than 10% of Fortune 500 companies have a female CEO.
In the field of climate change, the gap is also evident. Although women account for 80% of people displaced by climate disasters, they hold only 15% of leadership positions in international climate negotiations. These figures show that although women are among those most affected by the environmental crisis, their presence in decision-making remains marginal.
Reducing these imbalances is not only a question of justice, but also of effectiveness: studies have shown that women’s participation in environmental policy and leadership leads to more sustainable policies and greater climate action.
Solutions and Proposals
Women are not only the most affected by climate change, but also play a crucial role as active agents in creating solutions. At 10 Billion Solutions we promote women’s participation in the development of sustainable strategies, reflecting our commitment to gender equality and sustainability leadership. Our team, mostly composed of women, symbolises the transformative power that can come from the inclusion of women in decision-making.
We believe that gender equality is not only essential in the fight against climate change, but in all areas of our society. To achieve a more sustainable future, we cannot ignore the need for women to be in positions of leadership and decision-making, not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders driving innovative and effective solutions. From activists and scientists to community leaders, women are shaping the future we need to address the climate crisis. However, it is critical that we continue to work to ensure that their voices and actions are heard and their role is recognised at every level of decision-making.
Furthermore, we believe that gender mainstreaming must extend to all areas of our professional and personal lives. In our work, we also promote the importance of incorporating this vision in events and meetings. To this end, it is essential to consider the equal representation of women and men among speakers, as well as to foster inclusive spaces that address the challenges and opportunities faced by women in sectors such as climate change and sustainability. If you want to know more about how to organise inclusive and gender equality aligned events, we invite you to read our post Gender equality: what to consider when organising an event.
Join our cause and stay informed about how women are leading the change towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news on climate change, sustainability and gender equality.
