2. Decolonising the Narrative & Empowering Women

The climate crisis disproportionately impacts societies shaped by gendered power relations, leading to distinct challenges for women and girls and LGBTQI people in adaptation and climate-induced migration. Understanding these gendered aspects requires a focus on patriarchal power structures. Women are not vulnerable per se but become vulnerable due to these structures that impact women in all kinds of domains, including limited access to public services (not only health services), reduced educational opportunities, and diminished property rights and formal employment. Addressing these power structures necessitates dealing with the hugely unequal power relations between the Global North and the Global South that are not natural but rather part of a global system favouring a privileged few. A decolonial feminist lens is essential when examining the interplay of women’s rights, climate issues, and migration.

In discussions on gender and climate-induced migration, it is crucial to emphasise that women are agents of change. They play vital roles in disaster response, often ensuring family survival through their resilience and problem-solving abilities. Their participation in decision-making processes leads to more climate-friendly and inclusive outcomes. Despite the significance of this intersection, research and public funds dedicated to gender, climate, and mobility remain scarce. Given that gender and migration brought on by climate change are context-specific, there is an urgent need for more funding dedicated to the nexus while deploying an intersectional lens in gender analyses. It is crucial to embrace both an empowerment and a decolonial approach, allowing women to actively engage in discussions rather than being passive subjects. Establishing a legal framework for protection is imperative to safeguard individuals facing climate disasters. Presently, there is a shortage of adequate global instruments addressing the needs of those affected by the climate crisis, especially those who have not contributed to the issue.