In a dialogue at the inaugural Alliance For Women and Girls (AFWAG) Network Member Gathering, hosted by the Kunashe Foundation, leaders underscored the urgent need to address the intersection of climate change and gender-based violence (GBV).
The gathering, held in Harare, featured insights from Vongai Nyahunzvi, AFWAG’s chief executive officer, and Ratidzo Njagu, executive director of the Kunashe Foundation, among others.
Nyahunzvi highlighted the disproportionate effects of climate change on women and girls, emphasizing that by 2050, these impacts are expected to worsen significantly.
“The government must continue to support initiatives that empower women to combat GBV,” she said. “The link between climate change and the increasing rates of GBV cannot be ignored, as women are often the most affected.”
According to the UN Environment, approximately 80% of those displaced by climate change are women. This alarming statistic reflects not only the vulnerability of women in times of crisis but also the heightened risk of exploitation.
As articulated by World Bank Blog contributors Ayat Soliman, Helene Carlsson Rex, and David Warren, “During times of resource scarcity, women are more likely to be coerced into sexual exploitation in exchange for goods or services.”
According to Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, “Women and girls experience disproportionate effects of climate change globally. Many are left out of school or unable to work, which increases their dependence on partners and the risk of violence.”
Nyahunzvi also commended the government for fostering a conducive environment for organizations dedicated to the welfare of women and girls. She pointed to the Kunashe Foundation’s collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, which has been instrumental in enhancing their advocacy work.
In another interview, Njagu shared her experiences operating in Zimbabwe, commending the relatively flexible legal framework that supports their initiatives. On another note, she urged the government to scale up efforts to engage more women and youth, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, in economic development and policymaking related to menstrual and mental health.
“Involving these voices is crucial for creating meaningful change,” Njagu asserted. “The AFWAG Network Member Gathering served as a vital platform for advocacy and collaboration, shedding light on the pressing issues faced by women and girls amidst the challenges posed by climate change and societal inequalities,” she added.
