When natural disasters strike, they hit poor communities first and worst. And since women make up an estimated 70 percent of those living below the poverty line, they are most likely to bear the heaviest burdens. When crisis strikes, not only are women more likely to die than men, but also they are also more likely to encounter domestic and sexual violence and deprivation of essential medical services. Girls are often forced to drop out of school to help with household chores or earn an income. At the same time, women are often left out of the conversation about adapting to climate change, even though they are sometimes in the best position to provide solutions.
Recent statements on gender and climate change:
Wordwide Organization for Women to the Human Rights Council: http://www.wunrn.com/news/2009/07_09/07_20_09/072009_women.htm
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) committee on gender and climate change. http://www.awid.org/eng/Women-in-Action/Announcements2/Statement-of-the-CEDAW-Committee-on-Gender-and-Climate-Change
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Write or call your Senators
Ask them to support comprehensive climate change legislation that includes women in decision-making about solutions in their own communities.
Senator Amy Klobuchar
1200 Washington Ave S, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-727-5220
Senator Al Franken
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-5641
Host a Sisters on the Planet screening
You can do this in your own home or at a community venue. Let us know if you are interested! minnesota@oxfamactioncorps.org.
Volunteer or partner with Oxfam Action Corps-MN
Here in MN we are educating people about the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities around the world. Work with us to spread our message at concerts, discussion forums, and community events. Let us know you are interested by sending a message to minnesota@oxfamactioncorps.org
