How Climate Change Affects Women and Influences Gender Violence

Introduction

Climate change is one of the biggest crises we are currently facing as a society. As the world is getting warmer no one is able to avoid the consequences of such catastrophic conditions. The harsh reality is that the world is changing and we are now experiencing higher temperatures, natural disasters, shortage of resources and economic instability. However, despite us all being affected by such extreme conditions there are specific groups of people that are affected a lot more by the climate crisis. One of these groups being represented by women. 

In the context of such a crisis we can see more clearly the gender inequalities that are deeply rooted in our society. It is known that in many cases and regions across the world, women are the ones who have to provide food and water as well as other resources for their families. The lack of such resources due to the inevitable consequences of climate change puts a lot of pressure on women that are now forced to make a lot more effort to provide for their families. Because women often rely more heavily on natural resources like food and water, the scarcity caused by global warming places them at a greater risk of experiencing its impacts.

The disproportionate risks faced by women in the context of climate change are also linked to their heightened exposure to gender based violence. According to the 2025 UN Spotlight brief, it appears that the social and economic conditions created by the climate crisis are contributing to a rise in domestic violence against girls and women.

Why Climate Change Disproportionately Affects Women

Higher reliance on natural resources and agricultural work

Women’s higher reliance on natural resources and agricultural work, combined with limited access to land, education, and financial resources, makes them especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Such inequalities are reinforced by the gendered division of labor, which in many cases leaves the responsibilities of resource collection, household care, and farming activities to women. As a result, women face greater risks and fewer opportunities to adapt to environmental and economic pressures.

Increased Care Burdens

As climate change takes over, women are forced to face increased care burdens when it comes to securing water, food, and daily caregiving. These duties become a lot more demanding in situations where resources are scarce due to the extreme weather conditions we are experiencing. Therefore, this can lead to physical and emotional stress on women who must support their families with fewer resources.

Health and Safety Risks

Women also experience heightened health and safety risks during climate crises, including greater vulnerability when it comes to maternal health. Limited access to medical care, safety shelters, and essential resources and services can further endanger their well-being, accentuating the existing gender inequalities through the context of climate change.

How Climate Change Contributes to Gender-Based Violence

Violence During Climate Disasters

During climate disasters, the breakdown of social systems shows how much more vulnerable women and girls are to violence. It appears that poverty and the feeling of instability that result from climate change disasters can lead to growth in acts of sexual violence, child marriages, and even human trafficking. These types of conflicts highlight the need for stronger protections that directly address the risks women and girls face during climate related crises.

Post-Disaster Violence and the Risks of Migration and Displacement

In the aftermath of climate crises, post-disaster stress is often the one that leads to an increase in domestic violence, while the financial instability raises the risks of human trafficking, forced marriages, and other forms of exploitation on women and girls. These dangers are amplified when families are forced to migrate or are displaced, as women and girls lose the protection of their communities and social networks. The combination of post-disaster violence and the vulnerabilities created by displacement are what further expose the existing gender inequalities and place women and girls at a greater risk.

Real-World Examples

Research and statistics were made to further predict the impacts of climate change on women and how domestic violence becomes more common among girls and women during the climate crisis. The 2025 UN Spotlight brief claims that by the end of this century 1 in 10 partner violence cases will be in direct correlation to climate change. In addition to these findings, the Gender Snapshot 2024 report highlights a clear correlation between the climate crisis and gender inequalities. Furthermore, this study presents data that suggests by the year 2050 up to 158 million more women and girls will be exposed to poverty. However, even today we see a disproportionate effect of climate change for men and women as 47.8 million more women are dealing with food shortages and hunger than men. These findings make it clear for us to see that climate change is not only an environmental crisis but also a fuel for more gender based inequalities to emerge. Without urgent, gender responsive climate action, the hardships felt by women and girls will only continue to grow, deepening global disparities.