Unheard and Overburdened: Women in a World of Climate Crisis

Climate change affects everyone, but not equally. Women in the Global South, particularly from marginalised castes, ethnic groups and low-income communities, bear a disproportionate burden of climate disruptions. From walking long distances for water to losing traditional livelihoods, their experiences of climate stress are shaped not only by rising temperatures and water scarcity, but also by a deeply rooted social hierarchy.

A growing body of research has highlighted how gendered vulnerabilities are central to climate adaptation and mitigation. Yet, policies often fail to address these complexities effectively.

Our research, conducted across various geographies and climate institutions, revealed a concerning pattern: women are consistently excluded from climate decision-making, even though they shoulder the burden of its impacts.

This exclusion is particularly evident in their daily struggle for water. 

Gendered stress 

For instance, in Sikkim’s capital city of Gangtok, it is evident how gender, class and topography intersect to make access to water more challenging for women.

People living in upper areas or low-income neighbourhoods often walk longer distances, wait for extended periods and negotiate informally for their share of water.

A woman shared, "During monsoons, landslides are a common occurrence, which means it is certain we will have a scarcity of water. So, my daughter-in-law and I take turns carrying water from the nearby dhara (springs). Climbing steep stairs with water jerry cans and buckets is difficult as we live on the second floor."

These stories reveal issues that go beyond physical hardship. They highlight how urban infrastructure and water governance systems often ignore the needs of women, which are shaped by their social roles and the caregiving responsibilities they are expected to take on.

Overlooked stewards 

But women are not just passive victims of the unfolding crisis. They are also active stewards of environmental systems. In Sikkim, sacred groves known as Devithans, traditionally conserved by Nepali women, reflect a cultural model of environmental care. These groves are spiritual and crucial ecosystems linked to local water sources. Women, as custodians of these groves, possess a keen awareness of issues like water contamination, distribution patterns and the revival of springs.