Climate Change in Azerbaijan Puts Women at Increased Risk of Gender-Based Violence – Global Issues
PARIS, Nov 22 (IPS) – Climate change is exacerbating existing gender inequality and gender-based violence. At COP29 in Azerbaijan, governments were urged to prioritize gender-responsive climate policies that address the specific needs of women and girls, and serious concerns were raised about the backsliding on women’s rights during these important climate action talks.
In Azerbaijan, extreme weather events exacerbated by global warming and poor environmental management are increasing the risks women and girls face. As the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters increase, many families remain vulnerable, accelerating the need for targeted interventions.
The Clean World Social Union participated in COP29 to address the critical intersection of gender inequality and the climate crisis, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs and rights of women and girls in the face of environmental challenges.
Clean World Social Union is one of only two social organizations in Azerbaijan that provide special accommodation and support for women fleeing gender-based violence. They have a shelter in the capital, Baku, that houses about 60 women and children. The second shelter in Ganja, run by the Public Union “Tamas,” accommodates 25 residents.
Clean World Social Union is working with the international women’s rights organization Equality Now to strengthen the legal rights of women and girls in Azerbaijan.
What are some of the ways climate change affects women and girls in Azerbaijan?
Climate change certainly makes women more vulnerable to gender-based violence. We have worked with many women from rural areas whose families have lost their homes and livelihoods due to floods, droughts, and other natural disasters. People lost their homes, their lives were destroyed. Before, they had opportunities to earn money to improve their lives, but now they don’t. This forces people to migrate and pushes them to urban areas. Violence against men increases because when people suffer, it puts pressure on families who cannot support themselves, and men end up being violent. Every day, we receive hundreds of calls from women, but due to the limited capacity of our shelters, we have to reject many.
After extreme weather events, many women move alone to urban areas like Baku to support their families. However, some do not have the skills or knowledge needed to get a job and earn money. Migration caused by an environmental crisis isolates women from social networks and support systems, and makes them vulnerable to abuse. Along with domestic violence, we have seen an increase in sexual exploitation and trafficking.
How is the government of Azerbaijan responding to the impact of climate change on women in the country?
In Azerbaijan, there is understanding about how climate change affects women and girls, but it is not enough. And while the government is doing some things about climate change, it is not making the connection between environmental issues, gender issues, and gender-based violence.
Changes in laws and punishments for child marriage are becoming more difficult, but I think the environmental problem is making the situation worse. As people become poorer and life becomes more difficult, this is linked to child marriage. Some families think that if they have a girl who can provide food and education, they should get married immediately.
In cases of gender-based violence after extreme weather events, women often lack financial support, do not know who to turn to, and may experience psychological problems. Sometimes it is very difficult to support these victims as they need free and regular help, but there are many that we cannot help because of limited resources. And when there are floods, the number of women who need help increases significantly but we cannot provide that much support.
I have not heard of any official strategies or programs to improve the status of women in the event of a natural disaster. Government strategies should include implementation and coordination to address women’s issues. Apart from this, it is difficult to deal with these problems.
What action on climate change to support women is needed from governments?
Women and girls are directly and disproportionately affected by natural disasters and we must raise this with governments and other key stakeholders. There is a significant opportunity to address unique challenges by developing and implementing comprehensive frameworks and gender strategies that address immediate and long-term impacts.
Vocational training programs can help women adapt to climate change by equipping them with livelihood skills. This is especially important for rural women who may need to migrate to cities, where employment opportunities are readily available. Providing these tools empowers women to rebuild their lives and communities while promoting resilience to climate-related challenges.
It is equally important to increase women’s participation in decision-making processes related to climate policies. By including the views and experiences of women, governments can create equitable and effective solutions. Gender equality must be at the heart of these discussions, ensuring that women’s voices shape policies that address environmental and social impacts.
Strengthening support systems is another important step. Increasing access to counseling, legal aid, and safe shelters for women and girls will address climate shock outbreaks. Additionally, building local capacity to meet the needs of women affected by these events will ensure long-term sustainability.
Public awareness campaigns are needed to educate communities about the gendered impacts of climate change, and women should be given information about who they can turn to for support when their rights are violated. Efforts can change public attitudes, promote greater understanding of women’s disabilities and the need for protective measures.
The COP29 conference in Azerbaijan emphasized the urgency of integrating gender issues into climate action. Coordination between government agencies, civil society, and international partners is essential to ensure that these efforts are effective, inclusive, and provide women and girls with protection in the face of the ongoing climate crisis.
Maithrey KamalanathanEquality Now
IPS UN Bureau
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
