The impending 'super' El Niño event is a looming crisis that will disproportionately affect women, a concern raised by Walter Mwasaa, the regional director of CARE International in East and Southern Africa. This climate phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, will result in regional droughts and increased rainfall, exacerbating existing challenges, especially for women.
Mr. Mwasaa's perspective is supported by research, highlighting the gendered impact of climate-induced disasters. From increased child marriage rates in Bangladesh to the burden of water collection in Somaliland, women and girls bear the brunt of these crises. The climate crisis further intensifies these issues, with extreme heat posing health risks to pregnant women globally.
"Mothers will work tirelessly to provide food, often with little rest and eating last," Mr. Mwasaa observes. He cites the harrowing story of a woman giving birth in a tree during floods in Mozambique, a scenario that may become more common as climate-related disasters increase and health centers close.
The threat to women's well-being is compounded by foreign aid cuts, which have significantly reduced CARE's programming budget in the region. Ethiopia, for instance, has seen its programming budget slashed from $130 million to just $15 million for 2027. This reduction in aid has led to the closure of health and nutrition centers in Somalia, leaving pregnant women without essential care.
While Mr. Mwasaa expresses hope in the growing pan-African cooperation and national governments' focus on food security, he also acknowledges the challenges of attracting private sector partners and the limitations of Western products in African markets.
"What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the interplay between climate, gender, and development," Mr. Mwasaa reflects. "It's a complex web of issues that require a nuanced understanding and a holistic approach to address."
In my opinion, the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly women, is a critical issue that demands urgent attention and innovative solutions. It's a challenge that requires global cooperation and a reevaluation of aid strategies to ensure effective support for those most in need.
