The intersectional impact of climate change and gender inequalities in Africa
Okesanya O.J. Alnaeem K.F.H. Hassan H.K. Oso A.T. Adigun O.A. Bouaddi O. Olaleke N.O. M kheir S.G. Haruna U.A. Shomuyiwa D.O. Manirambona E. Asebot M.T.
March 2024John Wiley and Sons Inc
Public Health Challenges
2024#3Issue 1
The global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of combating inequality, with climate change emerging as a significant threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This commentary explores the profound impact of climate change on the lives of women in Africa, shedding light on a critical issue where 80% of the female population in LMICs grapples with its far-reaching consequences. Climate change is exacerbating existing gender disparities, particularly within the realms of agriculture, livelihoods, and resource access. Barriers like limited training and technology access hinder effective adaptation, perpetuating discrimination. Rooted deeply in social and cultural norms, the consequences of climate change negatively impact the human rights of women, resulting in increased vulnerability to illnesses, malnutrition, limited housing, and restricted support services. Health risks, including malaria transmission and respiratory diseases, further compound existing challenges, leading to increased rates of anemia, violence against women, alarming spikes in child marriages, and socio-economic consequences. Integrated policies emphasizing gender mainstreaming, multisectoral approaches, and closing gender gaps in asset ownership are crucial to addressing these challenges. Education, training, and upskilling opportunities are essential to empowering women to confront climate change, further advocating for the development and enforcement of laws and policies recognizing gender differences and safeguarding womens rights. Moreover, there is a need for integrated solutions to foster sustainable development in Africa, as climate change is not a standalone issue but rather intertwines with various aspects of life. By advocating for policies that promote gender equality, education, and resource access, it seeks to pave the way for a more resilient and empowered female population, capable of navigating the complexities of climate change and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development on the African continent.
Africa , climate change , disasters , gender inequalities , women
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Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Community Medicine primary Health Care, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal Medical Centre, Niger, Bida, Nigeria
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University College Hospital, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria
International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Osun, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
The Global Fund Program Management Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
Global Health Focus, Bujumbura, Burundi
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
Department of Medical Laboratory Science
Community Medicine primary Health Care
Department of Medical Laboratory Science
Department of Medical Laboratory Science
International School of Public Health
Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex
The Global Fund Program Management Unit
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine
Faculty of Pharmacy
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Global Health Focus
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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