The problems of the climate crisis, which is still rapidly advancing, are complex. A rather unknown issue has now been raised by the UN representative for women’s rights, Sarah Hendriks, at the climate conference in Dubai: the consequences of global warming also include an increase in forced marriages.
The human rights expert said on Monday that the number of forced marriages in Ethiopia almost quadrupled during the 2022 drought in the Horn of Africa. For example, Somalia has recorded significantly more cases of intimate partner violence and rape – also fueled by poverty, stress and inhospitable living conditions caused by the climate crisis.
“Women and children bear the heaviest burden”
Hendriks said climate change could push an additional 158 million women and girls into extreme poverty and another 236 million women could face food insecurity by 2050. “Women and girls bear the heaviest burden of the climate crisis,” she concluded.
Women have disproportionately more work in care, education and housework than men. At the same time, however, they had fewer economic resources and fewer literacy skills.
Inequality is becoming even greater
According to Hendriks, these inequalities are exacerbated by climate change, for example when food prices rise due to droughts and water shortages occur. In areas prone to drought, girls are also more likely to drop out of school, according to a new UN report she presented. As a result, Hendriks called for a new economy that no longer exploits the environment and women’s unpaid work.
There are also imbalances at the annual UN climate conferences themselves. The share of women in the almost 200 government delegations increased from 30 to 35 percent between 2012 and 2022. At the same time, however, the share of delegations led by women decreased slightly from 21 to 20 percent.
Criticism of the low proportion of women at COP 28
The development organization Care also criticized the fact that only 15 of the 133 heads of state and government who participated in Dubai on Friday were women, equivalent to a share of eleven percent. Healthcare campaigner Helen Pankhurst from Britain said: “How can we get a fair outcome in the climate negotiations given this inequality at the top?” Women and girls are most affected by climate change, but also remain invisible in Dubai.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
