Women and girls disproportionately suffer from the effects of climate change, facing unique health risks and resource challenges. Although they lead many environmental initiatives, they remain underrepresented in media coverage. Research indicates that women are frequently depicted as victims rather than experts, particularly in authoritarian settings. It is crucial to amplify women’s voices in climate discourse to ensure their experiences inform effective climate policy.
Women and girls are significantly affected by climate change, facing health risks due to various environmental disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. Furthermore, these individuals are often tasked with sourcing food, water, and energy for their families, placing their livelihoods at risk during periods of scarcity. Despite this, representation of women in climate-related media coverage remains alarmingly low, as only 25% of sources quoted in online climate news were women between 2017 and 2021, predominantly reflecting male experiences.
In my research concerning environmental media coverage in authoritarian regions like Iran, it is evident that women are seldom quoted in climate discussions. The environment is a highly politicized issue, and any criticism regarding government inefficiencies regarding air pollution or water shortages can lead to severe repercussions, such as intimidation or arrest, thus deterring women from voicing their perspectives.
For instance, during a reported heatwave in Iran where temperatures surpassed 50°C, the harsh effects on women, including heatstroke and menstrual complications, received minimal media attention. While I engaged with various women across Iran, including students and healthcare professionals, many opted for anonymity due to fear of retaliation from state authorities, perpetuating the silence surrounding their struggles.
Interestingly, women are not only adversely affected but are also leading numerous environmental initiatives. Research suggests women demonstrate a higher propensity for environmental volunteering compared to men, and countries with greater female political leadership often exhibit robust climate policies. Nevertheless, the imbalance in media focus persists, with figures like Greta Thunberg receiving great attention in the global north while women in the global south remain largely unrecognized despite their leadership in environmental movements.
Highlighting specific examples, Iran’s Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani faced imprisonment for their conservation efforts, focusing on protecting endangered species amidst oppressive regimes. Likewise, Juliet Kabera from Rwanda promotes the ban on single-use plastics and actively participates in global negotiations. Their work underscores the sacrifices made for environmental advocacy, yet remains largely unreported.
My doctoral research on environmental news coverage in the Middle East and North Africa substantiates that women are often framed as mere victims of climate change rather than as influential leaders and experts. This media gap signifies that perspectives from women, who are deeply affected and actively combating climate challenges, are overlooked. Consequently, environmental policies may fail to address the complex realities of those directly impacted by climate crises. If women bear the brunt of climate change and are fighting for solutions, their absence from media conversations poses critical questions regarding representation and inclusivity in climate discourse.
In summary, women and girls are on the frontline of climate change, suffering from its effects while also striving to secure their families’ resources. Despite their critical role and leadership in environmental initiatives, a significant disparity exists in their representation within climate-related media. This underrepresentation not only marginalizes their voices but raises important concerns about the effectiveness of climate policies that fail to consider the needs and experiences of half the population. To impactfully address climate challenges, it is essential to incorporate women’s perspectives and acknowledge their contributions in discourse and policy formation.
Original Source: theconversation.com
