Women at the Frontline of Climate Change

A poor glaring picture of a dried-up dam at Bilpiela, an urban community in the Tamale Metropolis still lingers in my mind. A sobering reminder of a growing crisis – of how community members especially women and young girls struggle daily for lack of a basic necessity like water. The long distances and longs hours spent in search for water, the exposure to danger yet, they wake up everyday, going through the same cycle over and over. This is not just a Bilpiela situation alone, it is a global crisis, casting across communities, countries and continents especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Climate Change: A Daily Reality, Not a Distant Threat.

The issue of climate change is no more a far-distant threat but a daily reality. From long periods of drought to unpredictable rainfall, its impacts are felt most by women, specifically in rural communities where they are solely responsible for water, food and care.

Working in the social impact space, I have come close to these realities on the ground, witnessing women work hard to take care of their families, often neglecting themselves. These experiences make me ponder and I grow increasingly worried about the future of our young girls. For how long will they endure these struggles just to access the bare minimum?

The Hidden Burden on Women.
According to a 2025 UN-Water Report, 1.8 billion people still do not have drinking water on their premises, and in two out of three households, women are primarily responsible for water collection.

In another UNICEF report, women and girls around the world collectively spend an estimated 250 million hours a day gathering water. Additionally, a UN report indicates that women in 25 Sub-Saharan African countries spend approximately 16 million hours daily collecting water, compared to only 6 million hours by men.

These statistics exposes the stark burden of climate change on women as it decreases their time for education and work while exposing them to danger and health risks. This creates a system where women get stuck in limited opportunities, unable to explore their full potentials, increasing poverty levels.

Beyond Victims: Women as Climate Actors.
Far from being victims, women are active actors in fighting climate change. Their knowledge, roles and resilience places them not just at its frontline but at the center of its solutions.

Women possess great indigenous knowledge of the environment. They deeply understand soil health, weather patterns and water sources. This knowledge is transferred through generations, enabling communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions more effectively.

Women are also at the heart of food production. They plant, harvest and store food, contributing immensely to sustaining food systems. By this, they adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that improve soil health and protect the environment.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in Sub-Saharan Africa, women compose 70% of the agricultural labour force and account for 60 to 80 percent of food production for household consumption as well as the market.

Sadly, despite their central role in ensuring food sustainability, they often lack access to resources such as land, finance, education and modern farming tools. Data further indicate that if women had equal access to agricultural resources, farm yields could increase by 20 to 30 percent, significantly improving food security.

When women Lead: Global Impact.
Women are often the primary decision makers when it comes to food, energy and waste in the household. These decisions are pivotal to various environmental outcomes. That is why their contribution is significant in achieving long-term solutions.

When women are empowered to take up initiatives like promoting clean cooking methods, eco-friendly and sustainable energy sources and water conservation, the impact is massive. These actions will only not protect the environment but also improve the health and well-being of households and communities.

In addition, since women are primarily responsible for fetching water and managing its use at home, they understand water scarcity better than many and are well-positioned to drive sustainable water practices.

Their lived experiences make them critical actors in designing and implementing effective water conservation strategies.

Ultimately, women are natural adapters and problem-solvers. They are already leading climate solutions in their communities. What they need is support to elevate these efforts.

Women can lead climate-smart agriculture by adopting safe practices such as organic farming, cultivating drought-resistant crops and using sustainable irrigation methods such as drip irrigation which delivers water directly to plant roots through a pipe, minimizing waste. This method conserves water while ensuring consistent crop yields, even during dry seasons.

They can also lead community water management initiatives by establishing rainwater harvesting systems, allowing water to be stored and used during dry periods.

In addition, women can spearhead environmental conservation activities such as tree planting, forest protection and land restoration, helping to combat deforestation and restore ecosystems.

Finally, being the caretakers of the home, they can educate children and other members of the household, lead community awareness campaigns and pass down sustainable environmental practices. This will lead to long-term behavioural change and improved environmental outcomes in the community.

Why Inclusion in Decision-Making Matters.
It is imperative to involve women in local governance, climate policy discussions and national and global forums. Policies are more effective when they reflect real, lived experiences. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the presence of women in political decision-making is linked to more ambitious climate goals and policies. Women on corporate boards consistently prioritize environmental, social and governance issues, including climate and sustainability.

When women participate in leadership and environmental decision-making spaces, there are stronger conservation outcomes and more sustainable community practices.

In a world of rapid climate change, the role of women can no longer be underestimated. Yes, they are among the most affected, yet they are also the most resourceful in this struggle.

Empowering women through education, access to resources and inclusive leadership does not just enforce gender equity, it is a strategic solution to dealing with this global challenge.

If the fight against climate change is to succeed, it must begin by recognizing and investing in those at its frontline. Because when women are given the power, they do not just adapt to climate change, they help defeat it!

   Comments0