Rural women in India are facing severe challenges due to climate change, including extreme weather events and droughts, which are significantly disrupting their livelihoods.
Megha Desai, president of the Desai Foundation, emphasizes that these women are heavily impacted, struggling with displacement, crop failures, and water shortages. Her foundation works across 2,500 villages in eight states, directly addressing these issues.
A recent UN report highlights that women are particularly vulnerable to climate-induced hardships, which can hinder their daily activities and even lead to girls dropping out of school.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently underscored this issue during a visit to Gujarat’s salt pans, noting that extreme heat is making it increasingly difficult for women workers to perform their tasks.
Hillary Clinton’s climate fund aims to support and empower women facing extreme heat.Clinton’s visit led to the launch of a $50 million Global Climate Resilience Fund through the Clinton Global Initiative, aimed at providing support and resources to these women.
The Desai Foundation, in collaboration with SEWA and CGI, is also tackling these issues by offering reskilling programs for women, helping them transition into new roles in banking and entrepreneurship across four states.
Despite progress in rural women’s economic participation—rising from 19.7% in 2018-2019 to 27.7% in 2020-2021—there remains a significant urban-rural divide in gender advancement.
Akanksha Khullar of the Observer Research Foundation points out that while some improvements are evident, the pace is slow and must accelerate to achieve gender equality. Additionally, the Oxfam India report reveals persistent gender discrimination in employment, regardless of education.
Reema Nanavaty of SEWA reinforces that women need respect and enabling environments rather than charity. Addressing the entrenched patriarchal structures is crucial for achieving meaningful progress in gender equality.