The article discusses women’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, their crucial role in resource management, and the significant underrepresentation of their voices in media coverage. Research shows that despite women’s leadership in environmental initiatives, they are often reported as victims, overlooking their expertise and contributions. The article calls for greater inclusion of women’s perspectives in climate discussions to inform more effective policies.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, suffering health risks from various environmental disasters such as floods and droughts. In addition, women bear the responsibility of securing essential resources for their families, making them particularly vulnerable when these resources become scarce. Unfortunately, women are significantly underrepresented in climate change reporting; a global analysis revealed that only one in four sources quoted in climate news stories from 2017 to 2021 were women, highlighting a male-dominated narrative.
The media coverage of environmental issues, particularly in authoritarian regimes like Iran, frequently overlooks women’s experiences. My PhD research shows that women rarely provide sources in climate-related discussions, and when they do, they often face threats. In politicized environments, talking about topics like water shortages risks severe repercussions, further dissuading women from speaking on the record.
For instance, during a heatwave in Iran where temperatures soared above 50°C, women’s specific health issues resulting from the heat received little media attention, overshadowed by governmental responses such as school closures. Many women, including those in leadership roles, remained silent out of fear of state retribution, perpetuating a cycle of invisibility around their struggles.
Despite their absence in media narratives, women are at the forefront of environmental initiatives. Studies indicate women are more active in volunteering for environmental causes, and nations with female political leadership report stronger climate policies. However, coverage remains inequitable, giving leading figures like Greta Thunberg attention in the global north, while women in the global south, who are pivotal in combating climate change, receive minimal recognition.
Notable environmental leaders from the global south include Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani from Iran, who faced imprisonment for defending the environment. Additionally, Rwanda’s Juliet Kabera advocates banning single-use plastics and participates in international negotiations against plastic pollution. Their contributions remain largely unreported, depriving the media narrative of critical voices.
My research across the Middle East and North Africa reveals a tendency to portray women as victims of climate change rather than as leaders or solution providers. The discrepancy highlights a failure in the media to capture the diverse experiences of women, leading to a gap in environmental policy that fails to address the needs of the most affected populations. As women continue to lead the charge against climate change, it is crucial to elevate their voices in media discussions on the issue.
Women and girls are at the forefront of climate change consequences, yet their experiences and contributions are markedly underreported in the media. Despite being significantly impacted and leading environmental efforts, women face threats and barriers to sharing their stories, especially in authoritarian contexts. Addressing this gap is essential for creating informed climate policies that truly reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of those most affected by environmental crises.
Original Source: theconversation.com
