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Challenging outdated norms and bridging the gender gap in African climate action

Challenging outdated norms and bridging the gender gap in African climate action
Rachael Njoroge, Martin Kamlaike, Rachel Itenderezwe, Sakhile Dube, Hadson Muwisa, Thomas Omusolo, Sibabalwe Stemele and Yakhani Mjiyakho
By Rachael Njoroge, Martin Kamlaike, Rachel Itenderezwe, Sakhile Dube, Hadson Muwisa, Thomas Omusolo, Sibabalwe Stemele and Yakhani Mjiyakho
25 Aug 2024
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Frameworks for addressing climate change frequently overlook the specific challenges faced by women, who contend with a ‘triple burden’ of unpaid domestic work, existing inequality and the direct impacts of climate change and climate-related migration.

Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a pervasive crisis that affects everyone, but not equally. Women, especially in Africa, face disproportionate challenges due to climate change, exacerbating existing inequalities.

As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, women often bear a heavier burden. The current discourse about climate action frequently overlooks this gendered dimension, missing an opportunity to harness the full potential of inclusive and equitable solutions. 

Women in Africa have long been the custodians of sustainable practices within their homes. They have championed the principles of recycling, reusing and reducing waste. They also play crucial roles in the home, in agriculture, farming and more.

But despite their invaluable contributions, women remain underrepresented in high-level decision-making processes that shape climate policies. 

This disconnect highlights a systemic issue: while women are recognised for their efficiency and innovation at the household level, they are often sidelined in broader leadership and policy-making arenas.

Current frameworks for addressing climate change also frequently overlook the more specific challenges faced by women, who contend with a “triple burden” of unpaid domestic work, existing inequality, and the direct impacts of climate change and climate-related migration.

While it is essential to address the gender disparities in climate action, this issue extends beyond women's rights - it is a matter of universal concern irrespective of gender. 

A deeper look into the ‘triple burden’


Women, especially in rural areas, face significant challenges when adapting to environmental changes. Traditional gender roles place a disproportionate burden on women, from firewood collection to family nutrition, further intensified by patriarchal norms.

Access to clean water and safe environments is another key issue. According to Unicef, globally girls and women spend 200 million hours every day collecting water. In many African countries, women and girls disproportionately suffer from water scarcity, which limits their educational and economic opportunities. 

Climate migration adds another layer to this complexity. Cyclone Idai’s impact in Zimbabwe is one example. Many men migrated to urban areas and left women with the dual burden of managing household responsibilities and coping with environmental shocks.

Migration has also shown to contribute to the destabilisation of regions and to lead to wars over resources. Women have often been forced to migrate alone with children, further increasing their vulnerability to violence and exploitation. 

Environmental degradation has generally been shown to exacerbate gender-based violence and hamper access to essential services. In South Africa and Morocco, for instance, climate-related infrastructure damage has made it harder for women to access care and counselling, increasing their vulnerability. 

Despite being disproportionately affected by climate impacts, women are making remarkable strides in climate advocacy and solutions. For example, Sierra Leone’s gender and social inclusion strategy and Cameroon’s roadmap for integrating gender into REDD+ strategies demonstrate the vital role women play in driving climate resilience. 

The need for gender-responsive climate action


These disparities underscore a need for a significant shift in how we approach climate action and gender equity, highlighting the need for: 

  • An increase of women in government and leadership roles so that the profound role of women in environmental stewardship may be acknowledged and integrated into national and global climate strategies, as well as their unique perspectives on the burdens disproportionately affecting them;

  • A revision, establishment of, and implementation of policies that address these intersecting challenges;

  • The capacitation of women-led solutions as a means to promote gender equity;

  • Engagement across the gender spectrum to challenge entrenched gender norms which discourage men from expressing vulnerability or participating in climate advocacy, or which perpetuate the idea of women as second class citizens who are at risk of gender-based violence and don’t have a say over their own resources;

  • Integrating a gender lens into all climate initiatives to ensure that women have equitable access to resources and decision-making power;

  • Ensuring universal access to resources such as clean water; and

  • A substantial increase in gender-responsive grant-based financing.


By fostering an environment where both men and women are equally engaged, we can create more inclusive and effective climate strategies that are accessible to everyone.

Furthermore, addressing the climate crisis is not just about men and women, or even just about the inclusion of all genders. Gender diversity, including LGBTQIA+, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals, is crucial for effective climate action.

This should be underscored in Just Energy Transition policy frameworks leading to more comprehensive and equitable solutions. This includes equitable land rights, economic empowerment and educational and leadership opportunities. 

Addressing the climate crisis effectively requires an intersectional and equitable approach that values and incorporates the contributions of women, men and marginalised communities across the gender and LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

By rethinking policy frameworks and challenging outdated norms, we can build a more equitable and impactful response to the climate emergency.

Most importantly, it is the implementation of policies and solutions which must take centre stage. The future of our planet - and all its people - depends on it. DM

Rachael Njoroge (Kenya), Martin Kamlaike (Malawi), Rachel Itenderezwe (Rwanda), Sakhile Dube (South Africa), Hadson Muwisa (Malawi), Thomas Omusolo (Uganda), Sibabalwe Stemele (South Africa), and Yakhani Mjiyakho (South Africa) are all members of African Climate Alliance’s Youth Activist Network. They are passionate changemakers from across the continent who believe in speaking truth to power, advocating for systemic socio-environmental change within their own countries, and coming together to show the connections between the systemic issues across Africa. African Climate Alliance is a youth-led, movement-based organisation acting and advocating for Afrocentric climate justice.

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