By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
Women and girls, especially those living in rural, poor and remote vulnerable areas in low-and middle-income countries are more susceptible to changing climate conditions.
Also bearing the burden of changing climate conditions include women and girls in small Island Developing States.
World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, provided the information in her message commemorating year 2022 International Women’s Day.
“Due to their gender, they bear a disproportionate burden of the effects of climate change in their social and reproductive roles, Moeti wrote in the message.
She pointed out that in Africa, increasing incidence of extreme weather conditions means women and girls devote time that could be better spent on productive ventures catering to the basic needs of their families.
The basic needs women provide for their families include water, food, and fuel for lighting, heating and cooking, the WHO director said.
Moeti expressed concern that such extreme events also have direct and indirect health repercussions for women and girls, including the interruption of health services.
The world marks International Women’s Day on 8th March every year.
“It is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women globally, and to take stock of our progress towards gender equity, and of the challenges that still lie ahead,” Moeti explained. “This year’s theme, ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’, celebrates the achievements of women and girls who are leading efforts on climate change adaptation, mitigation and response to build a more sustainable future.
In her opinion, this year’s International Women’s Day could not come at a more opportune time, with climate change manifesting in increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, changing rainfall patterns, and more frequent and severe extreme weather conditions.
The WHO chief declared: “Compounded by the impacts of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease), these conditions have direct consequences for the key determinants of health, negatively impacting air and water quality, food security, and human habitat and shelter.
