Jakarta’s Floods: A Stark Reminder of Climate Change’s Gendered Impact
On March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day, neighbourhoods in Jakarta were submerged by floods, displacing hundreds. This event wasn’t just another weather event; it was a stark reminder of how the climate crisis disproportionately impacts women, a reality experienced firsthand by many, including myself.
The Uneven Burden of Environmental Disasters
The connection between climate change and gender isn’t often discussed, yet the evidence is clear. Women often face greater risks and hardships during extreme weather events. This isn’t simply about physical vulnerability; it’s about existing inequalities. Women frequently lack access to resources, healthcare, and economic opportunities, making them less prepared to cope with climate-related disasters.
My own experience growing up in Jakarta illustrates this. A sudden move to a flood-prone neighbourhood meant constant disruption – no clean water, no electricity, and limited access to essential supplies. As a teenager, simply obtaining menstrual pads during floods became a frustrating challenge. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Conversations with female neighbours revealed similar struggles: single mothers dealing with sick children, low-wage workers facing increased financial strain, and even instances of domestic violence exacerbated by the stress of living in precarious conditions.
Intersectionality: Where Climate Change Meets Inequality
The burden isn’t felt equally. Women who are already marginalized – low-income, BIPOC, disabled, or LGBTQ+ – face even greater challenges. Indigenous women in the Brazilian Amazon, for example, are forced to spend more time securing minimal harvests or travelling longer distances for water as rivers dry up, all while managing family responsibilities. These burdens are multiplied.
the climate crisis can intensify existing social and economic stresses, contributing to violence against women and girls. In Indonesia, women also face systematic violence from authorities linked to exploitative natural resource management that causes climate disasters.
The Missing Voices in Climate Policy
Despite being disproportionately affected, women are significantly underrepresented in climate policy-making roles. Globally, women make up less than 40% of environment ministers in wealthier nations, and the numbers are even lower in countries most vulnerable to environmental risks. This lack of representation means that the specific needs and perspectives of women are often overlooked in climate solutions.
It’s crucial to recognize and support not only women who have achieved success in traditionally male-dominated fields, but also those at the forefront of the climate crisis – single mothers in coastal communities, Indigenous women protecting biodiversity, and women human rights defenders facing intimidation and violence.
Beyond Symbolic Gestures: Towards Real Inclusion
Celebrating International Women’s Day is crucial, but it’s not enough. We demand to move beyond symbolic gestures and ensure genuine representation and inclusion. This means actively listening to women’s voices, addressing their specific needs, and empowering them to participate in climate decision-making processes.
Social justice and climate justice are inextricably linked. Fighting for both is essential to create a fairer, greener, and more sustainable future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are women more vulnerable to climate change?
- Women often have less access to resources, healthcare, and economic opportunities, making them less able to cope with climate-related disasters.
- How does climate change contribute to violence against women?
- Climate change can intensify social and economic stresses, which can contribute to increased rates of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.
- What can be done to address the gendered impacts of climate change?
- Increase women’s representation in climate policy-making, address existing inequalities, and empower women to participate in climate solutions.
Pro Tip: Support organizations working to empower women and address climate change in vulnerable communities. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.
What are your experiences with climate change and gender inequality? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation.
