Women and Resilience. | Nisreen El Saim | TEDxLAU Women

Key Concepts

Climate change impacts, gender inequality, climate disasters, women's vulnerability, women's resilience, climate justice, land ownership, gender-based violence, adaptation strategies, economic empowerment, climate action.

Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerable Populations

The presentation highlights the devastating realities faced by communities, particularly in 27 countries, due to climate change, conflicts, and disasters. Specific examples include:

• Flooding: Women in labor unable to reach hospitals due to flooded roads; newborns being carried away by floodwaters.
• Crop Loss: Loss of crops due to flooding or drought, impacting food security and income.
• Sandstorms: Entire neighborhoods buried under dust.

These scenarios illustrate the daily struggles of over half a billion people. The presentation emphasizes that women and children are disproportionately affected.

Gender Inequality and Climate Change

A central argument is that climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities. Key points include:

• Women as Backbone of Economy: Women constitute 70% of the agricultural workforce in affected countries and worldwide.
• Lack of Land Ownership: 80% of women working on land do not own it or have the right to claim ownership. This lack of ownership leaves them particularly vulnerable when crops are lost.
• Increased Gender-Based Violence: 76% of gender-based violence and domestic violence occurs after climate disasters.
• Cultural Factors: Cultural norms, such as women not being allowed to swim in Sudan, increase their vulnerability during floods.

The speaker argues against the term "natural disaster," emphasizing that these events are "manmade sequence[s] of climate change" and should be referred to as "climate disasters."

Climate Justice and Gender Justice

The presentation asserts that "climate justice means gender justice." This is based on the disproportionate impact of climate change on women. The speaker outlines three reasons for this impact:

1. Cultural reasons (e.g., inability to swim).
2. Lack of land ownership.
3. Economic vulnerability following crop loss.

The speaker urges immediate action on climate change, emphasizing its urgency and universal impact. "Climate change knowers so if you think you are safe then you are just bluffing."

Women's Resilience and Adaptation

Despite their vulnerability, women are presented as highly resilient and proactive in addressing climate change.

• First Responders: Women are often the first responders in their communities during disasters.
• Adaptation Projects: Over half a million women worldwide are leading projects to adapt to climate change and generate income.

However, women need further support:

• Capacity Building and Training: To enhance their ability to adapt.
• Access to Institutional Finance: To fund their projects.
• Platforms to Share Experiences: To amplify their voices and influence policy.
• Economic Empowerment: To reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence.

Youth Women Led Network for Climate Change Peace and Security

The speaker co-founded a network of over 380 organizations across the 27 most affected countries. This network focuses on:

• Solidarity.
• Knowledge and experience exchange.
• Addressing critical needs related to climate change.

Conclusion

The presentation concludes with a call to action, urging everyone to take steps to address climate change. It emphasizes the importance of empowering women and recognizing their leadership in climate action. "It's time for women to take the lead and it's time for all of you to take action towards climate change."