Women for Climate: a new series by Wempower
By Ilaria Biancacci
Around the world, women bear the brunt of climate change. As primary caregivers and providers of food, water, and energy, their daily lives are directly affected by environmental degradation, especially in developing countries. Droughts dry up water sources, floods destroy crops and rising temperatures make livelihoods harder to sustain. In the face of these challenges, women walk longer distances for water, struggle to feed their families, and face increasing physical and emotional burdens.
Systemic inequalities – such as limited access to education, land ownership, and financial resources – magnify this vulnerability. According to UN Women, 80% of people displaced by climate change are women. Displacement increases their risk of violence, exploitation,n and unequal access to recovery resources. Yet, many of these women hold deep reservoirs of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices – tools that are essential for climate resilience.
Kenya illustrates this disparity vividly. It’s one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with 15 million people lacking access to safe water and 37 million without safe sanitation, according to water.org. Women and girls are often responsible for fetching water, a task that becomes more challenging during prolonged droughts. In poorer areas like slums, desperation has led to the inhumane practice of sextortion, where water cartels exploit women by demanding sexual favours in exchange for access to this basic resource.
Kenyan activist Cecilia Achieng Ayot has experienced this exploitation first-hand while growing up in the slums of Kibera. She has been at the forefront of the fight against water cartels, transforming her trauma into a powerful campaign for justice. As part of Wempower’s investigation into women and climate change, we are covering Cecilia’s journey. From a victim of systemic injustice to a feminist activist and former Nairobi County Assembly member, she sheds light on the intersection of gender inequality, climate change, and human rights.
The hidden cost of menstrual products
Beyond caregiving roles and water crises, climate change also impacts women’s health in less obvious ways, including the environmental tool of menstrual products. According to the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) a year’s supply of conventional menstrual products generates an estimated carbon footprint of 5.3 kg CO2 equivalent, contributing to environmental degradation.
The good news is that innovative brands are offering eco-friendly solutions. Companies like Here We Flo, Hey Girls, and Wuka provide sustainable alternatives, from reusable menstrual cups and fabric pads to biodegradable and flushable options. These brands are not only addressing period poverty but also proving that climate-conscious choices can empower women while reducing waste.
Women as climate leaders
Despite these challenges, women are at the forefront of climate action, showcasing resilience and leadership. From Indigenous leaders protecting rainforests to activists like Vanessa Nakate mobilising global youth movements, women are playing a vital role in shaping climate solutions. Vanessa, the founder of Youth for Future Africa and the Rise Up Movement has become a prominent voice on the international stage, speaking at events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) and the World Economic Forum. Her advocacy highlights the impacts of climate change on African communities while championing renewable energy projects for Ugandan schools.
Research backs this up. Countries with more women in parliament are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Women bring unique perspectives, prioritising social equity and community involvement alongside environmental goals.
Women are driving change even in architecture – a field often overlooked in climate discourse. Female architects are designing innovative, sustainable buildings that reduce environmental impact while addressing social inequities. These projects integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional knowledge, emphasising inclusivity and resilience. For examples of such groundbreaking work, check out our feature on ten women-led architectural projects advancing the fight against climate change.
The path forward: women at the heart of climate change solutions
To truly address climate change, we must dismantle the structural barriers that hinder women’s participation and leadership. This means investing in girls’ education, ensuring women’s access to land and financial resources, and creating platforms for women’s voices in policy and decision-making spaces. It also means recognising and valuing the unpaid care work that women disproportionately perform, as well as addressing the gendered impacts of climate-induced displacement and violence.
A collective fight for climate justice
As the climate crisis escalates, it’s vital to remember that climate justice is gender justice. Empowering women is not just an ethical imperative – it’s a practical one. Their leadership can drive more inclusive, effective solutions to the greatest challenge of our time.
This is a fight that requires all of us. Advocate for policies that prioritise women’s needs. Support female-led initiatives. Share the stories of women on the frontlines of climate action.
At Wempower, we believe in a future where women don’t just survive – they thrive. We are committed to amplifying the stories of women driving change in their communities. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire action and foster empathy. This is why we are launching Women for Climate, a new mini-series dedicated to all those women fighting climate change for all of us!
To read more inspiring stories of everyday women making a real difference in the world, be sure to check out the latest edition of Wempower magazine, or listen to our podcast.
