CLIMATE CHANGE: WOMEN'S RESILIENCE SYSTEMS IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

Abstract

Climate change is a global threat and a multiplier of vulnerabilities which has impacts over the ecosystems and societies worldwide. However, its negative effects are unequally distributed, and despite having contributed the least to global emissions, Africa¿s biophysical conditions make the continent more vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, the intertwined causes of climate change and gender inequalities lead to a more negative impact over women because of the existing structural inequalities and customary laws, which limit the full exercise of their human rights, enabling and multiplying their vulnerabilities to climate change. Undeniably, this scenario has severe consequences over women¿s lives, which is extensible to their roles in the fight against this environmental crisis. Therefore, African women¿s empowerment must be rampant to achieve a sustainable management of natural resources. Women shouldn¿t be seen as mere victims, but rather as knowledge bearers of cultural traditions, whose resilience systems are vital to bring about change, reduce climate-related vulnerabilities and prevent conflicts that could exacerbate the existing adversities and gender gaps. Land management is especially relevant in the two cases analysed because yields¿ degradation, as a result of climate change, have become an additional burden to bear for women and girls who depend on agriculture for subsistence to feed their families in Senegal and Burkina Faso.