CLIMATE CHANGE - GENDER GAP

“ We must work every day - in collaboration with others - to make this dream a reality…” - Mina Hasman

Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a gender gap concern. The gender gap in accessing employment, and education opportunities, as well as for addressing varying contextual prioritires/needs is what determines many families' livelihoods, especially in developing and rapidly growing countries, because it impacts people's capacity to adapt to climate change. As women are mainly responsible for the household, cooking, washing and many other, intensive tasks of daily life, they are more aware of the environmental issues present around the world. Research shows that women prefer to buy environmentally friendly products, and recycle them as much as they can, whereas men consume products and purchase services with less consciousness, in turn, contributing to rising greenhouse gas emissions. Yet women face challenges in accessing all levels of policies and decision-making processes that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with daily life.

Considering this, raising women and building their capacity within their communities is a critical path for addressing climate change, as it can enable them to lead resilient, local solutions to climate adaptation. Involving women to inform and influence climate change decisions will not only advance gender equality, but also lead to more sustainable outcomes for the protection of the planet and the resilience of people's livelihoods. If women could have a stronger voice in dealing with climate change-related issues, it will give a breath to this planet, as they give it to their newborn child.