Addressing the Gendered Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is an urgent reality affecting millions of lives globally. While its impacts are widespread, women, particularly in developing regions like Kenya, face a disproportionate burden due to societal roles, economic vulnerabilities, and limited access to resources. Women’s Empowerment Link (WEL) is at the forefront of advocating for climate justice by addressing the gendered impact of climate change and empowering women as agents of change in creating a sustainable future.
The Gendered Impact of Climate Change
In many Kenyan communities, women are the primary providers of food, water, and energy for their families. They are deeply connected to natural resources, which makes them more vulnerable when these resources are disrupted by climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns.
For example:
- Water Scarcity: Women often walk for hours to fetch water for their households. With climate change intensifying droughts, the distance to water sources increases, impacting their time, health, and safety.
- Food Insecurity: As agricultural yields decline due to unpredictable weather, women farmers—who make up 70% of the agricultural labor force in Kenya—struggle to feed their families and maintain livelihoods.
- Economic Loss: Climate disruptions exacerbate poverty, and women, who have fewer financial resources and limited land ownership rights, face greater difficulties recovering from economic shocks.
Additionally, climate-induced disasters increase the risks of gender-based violence (GBV), child marriages, and human trafficking, especially in crisis settings where resources are scarce.
WEL’s Approach to Climate Justice
Understanding that climate justice and gender equality are intertwined, WEL has developed programs that position women as key actors in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. By empowering women with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need, WEL is helping build climate-resilient communities.
- Women-Led Climate Adaptation Projects
WEL supports women in leading climate adaptation initiatives that address community challenges. For instance, women are trained in sustainable agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops, agroforestry, and water conservation techniques. These initiatives not only improve food security but also strengthen women’s roles as leaders in combating climate change.In a rural village in Kitui County, women have transformed degraded land into productive farms through tree planting and soil regeneration projects supported by WEL. This has increased food production and restored critical ecosystems. - Promoting Renewable Energy Solutions
Access to clean energy is a key focus of WEL’s climate justice initiatives. Women in rural areas are trained to use and promote clean energy solutions such as solar panels, clean cookstoves, and biogas. By replacing traditional cooking methods, which rely on firewood and contribute to deforestation, these solutions improve environmental sustainability and reduce household emissions.Importantly, women who adopt clean energy technologies experience better health outcomes, reduced time spent collecting firewood, and improved income opportunities as they become local distributors of renewable energy products. - Capacity Building and Climate Education
WEL invests in climate education for women and girls to build awareness and capacity for environmental leadership. Workshops, training programs, and community forums teach participants about climate change, sustainable resource management, and advocacy skills.“When women are equipped with knowledge, they become powerful advocates for their families and communities,” explains a WEL project officer. This capacity-building ensures that women’s voices are heard in climate decision-making spaces, both locally and nationally. - Advocating for Inclusive Climate Policies
WEL actively engages policymakers to integrate gender equality into climate action plans. By advocating for women’s inclusion in leadership roles and decision-making processes, WEL ensures that climate solutions address the specific needs of women and marginalized communities.WEL also pushes for policies that secure land rights for women, recognizing that access to land and resources is critical for their economic empowerment and climate resilience. - Leveraging Technology for Climate Action
Innovative solutions are key to addressing climate change. WEL uses digital tools to connect women to information on weather patterns, climate forecasts, and market opportunities for climate-smart agricultural products. Access to this technology helps women make informed decisions and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Women as Drivers of Change
Empowering women in climate action creates a ripple effect of benefits for entire communities. Research shows that when women are involved in resource management and climate planning, solutions are more sustainable and equitable. Women bring unique perspectives, community connections, and a deep understanding of natural resource management, which are essential for long-term climate resilience.
Take, for example, WEL-supported women’s groups in Turkana County, where women have led tree planting and water management projects. These initiatives have revived local ecosystems, provided sustainable livelihoods, and improved household food security.
One participant shared her experience:
“Climate change was taking everything from us—our crops, our water, our peace. With WEL’s support, we are planting trees and finding new ways to survive. Now, we see hope for the future.”
The Road Ahead: A Just and Sustainable Future
Addressing climate change requires inclusive, gender-responsive solutions that leave no one behind. WEL’s commitment to climate justice recognizes that women are not just victims of climate change—they are powerful agents of change.
To build a sustainable future, WEL calls for:
- Investment in women-led climate initiatives that promote adaptation and innovation.
- Gender-sensitive climate policies that address women’s unique vulnerabilities and contributions.
- Community-driven solutions that prioritize local needs and expertise.
By empowering women, we not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also create resilient, thriving communities. As WEL continues to lead efforts in climate justice, it envisions a future where women and girls drive sustainable development and inspire collective action to protect our planet.