BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
While women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, they are not only victims but they are also vital agents of change, Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe has said.
Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe added that women are also leaders in environmental conservation and sustainable development, hence they need all the support they deserve.
She was speaking at the 2024 Harare Provincial Gender Forum in Chitungwiza on Wednesday.
The Provincial Gender Forums were being held as a build up to the National Gender Forum, which is set to be held in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province on September 13.
And the Provincial Gender Forum was being held under the theme, ”Gender, Environment and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality”.
“In as much as women and girls bear the brunt of environment and climate change challenges, we also acknowledge that women are not only victims of environment and climate change challenges, but they are also vital agents of change.
“They are often the leaders in environmental conservation and sustainable development hence the need to also support women’s leadership in climate decision making as well as support them to develop climate resilient livelihoods,” said Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe said the Provincial Gender Forum deliberated on the gendered impact of environment and climate change challenges in the country and produce policy recommendations for improving the situation.
“This year’s Provincial Gender Forum is taking place at the backdrop of the 2023/2024 farming season being declared a drought year due to the El Nino phenomenon resulting in the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. E.D Mnangagwa declaring the situation a state of emergency.
“Further, we also note other worrying environment and climate change challenges ranging from environmental degradation due to illegal and irresponsible mining activities, water, land and air pollution, mounting water and sanitation challenges and wetlands disruption among many other challenges.
“This year’s theme highlights the interconnection between gender, the environment, and climate change.
“Although men and women are impacted similarly by environment and climate change, women are disproportionately affected as they rely heavily on the environment for household provision and livelihoods.
“The impact however threatens to reverse the gains made over the years in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment by further exacerbating vulnerabilities through disrupted livelihoods, increased food insecurity, and compounded water and energy challenges,” she revealed.
She added that the interconnectedness between gender, environment and climate change in Zimbabwe is complex and multifaceted.
Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe revealed that by understanding these interconnected factors, we can work towards gender-equitable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by women in the context of environment and climate change through adopting gender-sensitive approaches to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe said some of the factors include: “Gender roles and responsibilities: women are often responsible for natural resource management, such as collecting water and firewood, and farming.
“This makes them more vulnerable to climate-related changes in weather patterns and natural resources.
“Climate change impacts: Climate change exacerbates existing environmental challenges in Zimbabwe, including droughts, floods, and soil erosion. These impacts disproportionately affect women, who have limited access to resources, technology, and decision-making power.
“Environmental degradation: Deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution affect women’s livelihoods and health, as they rely on these resources for their daily needs.
“Agriculture and food security: Women are critical to agriculture and food security in Zimbabwe. “Climate change affects crop yields, livestock productivity, and food availability, placing additional burdens on women.
“Disaster risk reduction: Women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to disaster risk reduction and management, making them more vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
“Access to resources and technology: Women have limited access to climate-resilient technologies, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, and resources like credit and extension services.
“Cultural and social norms: Societal norms and expectations can limit women’s ability to adapt to climate change, as they may be restricted from participating in decision-making processes or accessing resources.
“Policy and programming: Gender-sensitive policies and programs are essential to address the gender-environment-climate change nexus in Zimbabwe. This includes integrating gender into climate change policies, providing training and capacity-building programs for women, and supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes.”
She also revealed that as ZGC, they acknowledge the tremendous efforts by multi-sectoral stakeholders in implementing various climate action and environmental protection initiatives.
And she added that they acknowledge efforts by Government in facilitating a conducive environment towards transforming society to be more gender sensitive.
“This also includes climate change policies in particular the recent adoption of the Zimbabwe Climate Change Gender Action Plan which provides a framework for mainstreaming gender in the climate change agenda.
“However, we note the need to move from policy to practice.
“It is therefore my hope that this Provincial Gender Forum will provide a platform to interrogate further the above issues and explore mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“Key among these is harnessing indigenous knowledge systems to address the existing environment and climate change challenges,” she noted.
