The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with it now posing threats to the health and safety of women around the world. Seán Farrell, Trócaire CEO, said that the climate crisis not only "threatens to reverse progress on human rights and sustainable development" but also "deepens gender inequality."
According to Farrell, climate change could push up to 132 million more people into poverty by 2030 with "impacts disproportionately affecting women and girls."
“Women produce up to 80% of food in some regions but own less than 20% of agricultural land, limiting their ability to implement resilient farming practices. Women, particularly pregnant women, face health risks from climate-related disasters with women 14 times more likely to die during an extreme weather event. Women are also more likely to suffer from gender-based violence during climate disasters. In many regions where Trócaire works, it is women who bear responsibility for securing food, water and fuel for their families. When these resources become scarce due to the changing climate, women must work harder and travel farther. In many instances young girls are forced to leave school to help,” Seán Farrell said.
Women's views and needs are often excluded form climate change responses. Farrell suggests that without women's voices and participation climate and disaster response can be "unjust and unsustainable."
"When Trócaire supported climate programmes (adaptation and disaster risk reduction) value women’s capabilities, experience and ingenuity, the results are transformative - for women, their families and entire communities," Farrell continued.
The focus of this years Trócaire Box Appeal is Rwanda, where floods are destroying their homes, crops are failing and it is often women who are "left holding everything together - working longer hours for less, caring for their families, doing whatever it takes to make sure their children survive and have access to education.”
In Trócaire's press release, they explain Uwamahoro's story: “Uwamahoro is 28 years old and is carrying the weight of three generations on her shoulders. She is supporting her mother Verediana, who lives with a disability, her daughter Ineza and her niece Vanessa. She’s doing everything she can to feed her family and keep the children in school, but it’s never enough. Still, she remains resilient: “That is love,” Uwamahoro says.
The weather in Ireland recently has proved that no country is immune to the impact of climate change. "As Irish communities recover after storms Uwamahoro is doing the same, because if she cannot work the land, her children cannot go to school. eat regularly or have a secure home," the press release explained. "Her greatest hope is to repair her house and earn a secure income. She dreams of getting a sewing machine to start a tailoring business," they continued.
“While communities are adapting with courage and determination, the effects of climate change are rapidly making their situations worse. The support of people here at home can help women lead their families through crisis, and have safe homes, food on the table and the resources they need to have a more secure future,” Seán Farrell said.
