A recent study conducted by SPARK in Washim District, Maharashtra, analyzed the impact of the climate crisis from the perspective of women with disabilities. The study, reported by IOL, seeks to understand their role in mitigating climate change and presents various recommendations and necessary steps to address this issue.
A total of 116 participants from 10 villages took part in the study, including government representatives, 65 women and 22 men with different types of disabilities.
Key Findings
The study reveals that women and girls with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis in Maharashtra. The interplay of ableism (discrimination against people with disabilities) and gender inequality leads to their exclusion from social and community programs meant to combat the effects of climate change.
Women must be actively included at all levels, especially in decision-making processes, to help develop effective solutions for addressing climate change.
Impact of Climate Change
Washim District has been experiencing extreme and unseasonal weather patterns due to climate change. The most prevalent weather hazards identified in the region include excessive rainfall, dry spells during monsoons, hailstorms, and heat waves. These extreme conditions result in scarcity of potable water, food shortages, malnutrition, health issues, and decreased access to housing and essential healthcare services.
Effects on Agriculture and Livelihoods
Agriculture has been severely affected by the climate crisis. Unseasonal weather patterns, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and other environmental stressors have led to a decline in crop and dairy yields. Additionally, issues such as soil erosion, salinization of irrigated lands, degradation of pastures, water pollution, and over-exploitation of forest resources have weakened the agricultural system.
Most agricultural production occurs in rural areas and involves marginalized communities. Despite being at the center of food production, these communities face low or no income and food insecurity. Women with disabilities suffer the most from these challenges.
Lack of Participation for Women with Disabilities
Women with disabilities are routinely excluded from leadership positions due to social and attitudinal barriers. Traditional gender roles, stigmas, and biases prevent them from participating in decision-making and development programs.
However, many women in the study stated that with proper training and community support, they can actively contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
Solutions and Recommendations
The study proposes several recommendations to enable women with disabilities to take an active role in addressing the climate crisis:
- Participation in household and agricultural decision-making, such as determining which crops to grow.
- Greater control over resources, including land and housing.
- Access to early warning systems for climate disasters.
- Training and resources for organic and sustainable farming.
- Alternative employment opportunities to counteract agricultural losses.
- Inclusion in government schemes, self-help groups, NGOs, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).
- Targeted education and skill-building programs.
- Financial inclusion, including access to loans.
- Addressing societal and attitudinal barriers through awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Mitigating the effects of the climate crisis requires a whole-of-society approach, ensuring that women, particularly those with disabilities, are equipped with the necessary tools for resilience and empowerment. Policy frameworks must be more inclusive and robust, and responses from the government and stakeholders must be substantive and proactive in supporting women with disabilities.
This study, highlighted by IOL, emphasizes that women with disabilities do not lack capabilities; they lack opportunities. With adequate resources, training, and support, they can play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis and building a sustainable future.
-Harigovind Vishwakarma
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