The unequal ways that climate change impacts certain communities are the focus of climate justice, a subset of environmental justice. It seeks to guarantee that the expenses of climate change are distributed fairly. However, are gender equality and climate justice related?

Think about it: UNICEF reports that in many low-income nations, women and girls must spend up to six hours a day gathering water, a task that is made more difficult by water shortages and droughts. In certain communities, climate-related challenges can increase gender-based violence by as much as 30%, according to the UNHCR. This demonstrates that socioeconomic and gender inequality are exacerbated by climate change, which is not only an environmental problem. It makes things even more difficult for women and girls in communities that are already at risk.

Women's increased vulnerability to climate disasters

Not all people are equally impacted by climate change. Women confront more obstacles because of social, economic, and political injustices, particularly those living in low-income areas. For their families, women are mostly in charge of gathering food, fuel, and water in rural Bangladesh, Africa, and small island states. Natural disasters like floods, droughts, and hurricanes make this even more difficult. As resources become more limited, women are forced to go further in search of water and firewood, which puts them at greater danger of harassment and violence. Also, they are more susceptible since they have less options for education, property ownership, and decision-making. It is imperative that we address these gender-based issues in order to attain climate justice.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that women comprise about half of the world's agricultural workforce, but they confront numerous obstacles because of climate change, limits on land ownership, and restricted access to financial resources. As they are often responsible for subsistence farming, food security, and water collection, these developments directly undermine women's capacity to provide for their families and communities. The lack of climate-resilient seeds, irrigation methods, and financial credit makes it more difficult for them to adjust to climate challenges in many underdeveloped countries. For women, one of the biggest obstacles in the agricultural sector is land ownership. Women only account up 15% of landowners worldwide, despite their significant contributions. Without official land rights, women have limited access to government subsidies, bank loans, and technology support, which limits their ability to adopt climate-smart farming practices.

Climate change is making life much harder for women, especially when it comes to food and health. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather are reducing crop harvests, leading to food shortages and hunger. Malnourished women are more likely to suffer from anemia, weak immune systems, and risky pregnancies. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are also making food and water scarce, increasing pregnancy-related health problems and spreading diseases faster. In many communities, women are responsible for collecting water and firewood, but climate change makes these tasks even harder. As they spend more time and effort on these duties, they face greater health risks, financial struggles, and safety concerns. Women and girls who spend a lot of time collecting water lose out on sleep, education, and employment possibilities, which keeps them stuck in poverty and gender inequity. They suffer from back discomfort, fatigue, and muscle issues as a result of carrying bulky water containers for extended periods of time. It is difficult for women to become financially independent because they have limited time for job and education. Young girls' future employment options are limited since they frequently leave school to assist their mothers. In addition to its effects on the environment and economy, climate change is contributing to an increase in domestic violence against women. Life becomes increasingly difficult due to crop failures, job losses, and the depletion of natural resources, which increases the number of domestic violence incidents. Men are typically expected to be the primary breadwinners in traditional communities. When they are unable to perform this function because to droughts, floods, or bad harvests, tension and anger can escalate into violence, which in turn leads to an increase in domestic abuse.

Achieving climate justice through gender equality

Climate change has a greater impact on women, particularly those in marginalized and vulnerable groups, hence gender equality and climate justice are intimately related. Many women make their living from natural resources, but they frequently do not have access to land, capital, or decision-making authority, which makes it more difficult for them to adjust. Empowering women as climate action leaders is crucial to achieving climate justice. According to studies, environmental policies are more inclusive and successful when women hold leadership positions. Nonetheless, the representation of women in climate governance, policy-making, and negotiations remains inadequate. Fairer and more successful climate solutions may result from increasing the number of women participating in climate decision-making, from local organizations to international summits. Policies that can assist address this gap include leadership training, increased funding for initiatives run by women, and gender quotas in environmental leadership. Women need equal access to resources, climate financing, and land in order to attain climate justice. These help them deal with the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and soil erosion. In order to help women, governments and financial institutions should give them stronger land rights, better access to climate-friendly farming, and microloans for green enterprises. In the fight against climate change, women can lead when they have equal access to resources. Investing in time-saving farming tools, better water infrastructure, and clean energy technology can lessen this load and give women access to leadership and economic opportunities. One of the most effective strategies for assisting women in adapting to climate change is education. Learning about climate science, environmental preservation, and sustainable farming empowers women to develop intelligent solutions for their communities. Education also helps reduce birth rates, strengthens communities, and increases economic stability. Women-led efforts to combat and adapt to climate change must be supported in order to guarantee equity in climate action. Despite their lack of financing and visibility, women are already spearheading local conservation initiatives, tree-planting drives, and sustainable agricultural activities. These projects require active funding and assistance from governments, non-profits, and financial institutions so that women have the tools they need to have a greater effect.

Women as agents of climate justice

Women are leading the fight for climate justice, sustainability, and resilience worldwide. Through grassroots activism, they protect their lands, resources, and communities from climate threats using traditional knowledge, advocacy, and leadership. In Kenya, Wangari Maathai's Green Belt Movement empowered women to plant over 51 million trees to combat deforestation. In the Gambia, Isatou Ceesay helps women turn plastic waste into useful products. Vandana Shiva in India promotes sustainable farming and seed-saving, while Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim in Chad supports Indigenous climate adaptation. In the Philippines, youth activist Marinel Ubaldo demands climate justice for vulnerable communities. From tree planting and sustainable agriculture to advocacy and disaster resilience, women are proving that their leadership is key to a sustainable future.

Conclusion

As changemakers, innovators, and leaders in the community, women are essential to the cause of climate justice. Through activism, community service, and storytelling, they are bringing attention to how gender inequality is exacerbated by climate change and advocating for more inclusive climate action. By giving them access to decision-making spaces, climate education, and leadership training, we can increase their influence. Women are effective change agents for a just and sustainable future because of their strong linkages to local communities, natural resources, and traditional wisdom. Addressing gender imbalance in climate policies is crucial to building a just and sustainable future, not merely for the sake of fairness. Without women, climate action cannot be complete. True justice, resilience, and sustainability begin with inclusion.

Najifa Alam Torsa, BSc. Engineering, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh. E-mail: Email: torsa.najifa98@gmail.com