Gavoka says women’s role ‘directly impacted by climate change’
A STUDY conducted by a group of researchers, with scientific evidence, supports the conclusion that women are more vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change, which puts them at a higher risk.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Education Viliame Gavoka highlighted this during the opening of the two-day Regional Conference on Gender-responsive Climate Policy Formulation held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.
“When there is a cyclone in Fiji, we often empathise with the people where the impact was most felt,” he said.
“This is often geographical, but we often overlook the additional dimensions that come with it.
“Women, our mothers, wives, and daughters, are primarily responsible for household water supply, food security, and energy to feed and keep us clean.
“So, when there is a disaster, women work harder, increasing their workload and exposure to greater safety risks.
“We know this because we have seen this in our communities.
“We should also consider the fact that women frequently work in industries like farming, which are directly impacted by climate change.
“Their access to resources is likewise restricted, as they have less rights to land and less access to finance and education.
“In the aftermath of disasters, women tend to be more vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.”
He said despite being heavily impacted, women were often underrepresented in local, national, and global policymaking forums where responses to climate change were decided.
“This can lead to policies and programs that do not address or even recognise the different experiences and needs of women in the context of climate change.
“A study from the International Union for Conservation of Nature revealed that nearly a quarter of 89 nationally determined contributions have no references to gender.
“Therefore, the urgency to confront gender-specific challenges within Pacific climate policies stand as an imperative.
“This conference, I am sure, will serve as a pivotal platform, fostering collaboration and devising pragmatic strategies for positive change.”
The conference was attended by representatives of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.