Welcome to #ClimateWatch, a transformative program dedicated to empowering female journalists and young girls to harness the power of mobile storytelling for climate justice. Our mission is to shed light on the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized women and girls while advocating for gender-responsive climate narratives. We not only aim to share the stories of women's climate hardships but also to hold policymakers accountable for gender-inclusive climate adaptation.
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, with far-reaching impacts on societies and ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, as in many other parts of the world, women are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change. This problem analysis delves into the specific ways in which climate change impacts women in Sri Lanka, highlighting the urgent need for gender-responsive and inclusive interventions.
Women and men experience climate change impacts differently, and in Sri Lanka, gender-based inequalities compounded by factors such as ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, and income level create a complex web of vulnerabilities for women. These intersecting factors further exacerbate women's risks and challenges during climate-related crises, making them particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change (Perera, Ariyabandu, & Withanachchi, 2023).
Women in Sri Lanka often bear the brunt of climate change due to their traditional roles and responsibilities. They are primarily responsible for securing food, water, and energy for daily use, which requires them to manage household water, agriculture, and food security. However, the impacts of climate change disrupt these roles in several ways: