Doubly marginalised

Abstract

Climate change is destroying our lives through rise in sea level, climate related deaths, malnutrition, floods, cyclone, droughts, heat waves etc. The problem further worsens when we fail to understand that though climate change affects everyone but it affects more who are at vulnerable position, especially women. They suffer greater safety and health risks because they are the last to be rescued, their sanitation is being compromised. Women also do not fully participate in climate related planning and policy due to unequal participation in decision making process. Women commonly face higher risks and greater burdens from the impacts of climate change in situations of poverty and due to existing roles, responsibilities and cultural norms. This paper suggests that the women are first responders in crises, entrepreneurs of green energy and decision-makers at home, women offer valuable insights and solutions into better managing the climate and its risks. Hence, women can play a critical role in response to climate change due to their local knowledge of and leadership in sustainable resource management and/or leading sustainable practices at the household and community level.