This year’s theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” recognizes the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.
Women play a vital role in responding to climate change and its impacts on rice production. Women’s roles in the production, processing, and distribution of rice—as farmers, field workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators—are crucial for food security and sustainable rural development around the world.
IRRI is also home to scientists whose work aims to promote sustainable rice-based systems in the developing world and make the livelihoods of women and men farmers resilient, while contributing to gender equality in food systems.
Climate change and time poverty trap women in a vicious cycle
Climate change disproportionately affects women, placing a heavy burden on their time and labor, owing to their roles on the farm and in the household. About 48% of women in Bangladesh live in disaster-prone areas. Climate shocks result in income and asset losses for the women and their households, affecting their adaptive capacity negatively.
Tackling Climate Change in Agriculture: A Critical need for Gender-Transformative Approaches
It is well-known by now that women are disproportionately affected by climate change. They are among the most vulnerable population groups in developing countries, particularly those who are connected to agriculture, fisheries, and dependent on natural resources.
Women Rising: Tackling the food and economy crises created by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic
“I planted papayas on 5 kert (1.25ha) and lost the entire produce to flooding. Then I planted tomatoes. COVID-19 came…I lost income during the state of emergency because there was no transport."
A woman farmer in Ethiopia
Women’s leadership and gender-responsive financing for effective climate action
"Gender Day" was observed to recognize and celebrate equality and empowerment of women and girls in climate policy and action. Gender Day builds on the momentum created at COP25 to advance gender-responsive climate action.
Upcoming event
CSW66 side event: Women’s and girls’ empowerment: Key to equitable food systems in a changing climate?