By Patience Kapinda
Climate change is reshaping traditional social roles, particularly in rural communities where women are taking on more responsibilities in farming and water collection.
As men migrate to cities for work, women are managing farms and food production, while both men and women are sharing the burden of water collection due to scarcity.
The Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare is at the forefront of addressing the impact of climate change on women and girls.
Through initiatives like the Gender and Climate Change Agriculture Support Project, funded by AUDA-NEPAD, women are being empowered with greenhouses to regulate climate conditions for easier crop growth.
The Women Entrepreneurial Program in high-value crops is also providing women with the opportunity to generate income and ensure food security.
"The ministry facilitated the formation of the Women in Climate Action Network, which was launched by the President in 2021," says Pauline Patience Kaude, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Gender. "We're assisting the network in developing a strategy to guide their interventions and mobilize resources."
Climate Advocate and Youth and Gender Lead at Movement for Environmental Action, Malango Kayira, notes that families are prioritizing girls' education as a way to build long-term resilience and access alternative livelihoods.
"Climate change is reshaping traditional social roles in rural communities, particularly in farming and water collection," Kayira says.
Chairperson of the Gender Coordination Network, Maggie Kathewera Banda, emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive climate policies.
"Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls in Malawi, particularly in water collection, food security, and farming, due to increased workload, health risks, and limited access to resources," Banda says. "To address this, we need specialized training programs, access to resources and economic empowerment, and promoting women's leadership in climate action."
As the impact of climate change continues to be felt in Malawi, it's clear that women are playing a critical role in adapting to these changes.
By supporting women's empowerment and promoting gender-sensitive climate policies, Malawi can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
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