We at Kyobe Foundation believe that it is not possible to achieve climate justice without gender equality. Girls and women are doubly affected by climate change first by the crisis itself, and further by a set of enduring repercussions that are specific to women’s lives, and that we must tackle as an equal priority. Climate change has a significant impact on Uganda’s rural women in various ways; Agriculture and Food Security: Many rural women rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, but climate change can lead to extreme weather events like droughts or floods, which can damage crops and reduce agricultural productivity. This can result in decreased food security and income for rural women. Water and Sanitation: Climate change affects the availability and quality of water resources, making it more challenging for rural girls and women to access clean water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes. Girls may have to travel longer distances to find water sources, which can put their safety and well-being at risk of rape, sexual harassment resulting in exposure to sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy, as well as child marriage. Health and Well-being: Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, which can disproportionately affect rural communities. Women often play a crucial role in healthcare and caregiving, and climate-related health impacts can increase their workload and put additional stress on their overall well-being.
Migration and Displacement: As climate-related impacts worsen, rural communities often face the need to migrate or be displaced from their homes due to factors like increased flooding, landslides such as in Bududa, soil degradation, or loss of agricultural productivity. Women in these situations may face specific challenges, including limited access to resources, increased vulnerability to gender-based violence, and difficulties in finding secure livelihoods. Gender Inequality: Existing gender inequalities are exacerbated by climate change. Limited access to land ownership, financial resources, and decision-making processes further marginalizes rural women, hindering their ability to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively. Addressing the effects of climate change on rural women requires comprehensive strategies that prioritize gender equality, recognize their unique roles and challenges, and provide them with adequate resources, support, and opportunities for adaptation and resilience-building. Kyobe Foundation’s interventions champion women inclusivity in climate; Empowering girls and women leaders: Kyobe Foundation empowers girls and women with opportunities to take leadership roles in climate-related initiatives and decision-making processes through mentorship programs. Promote education and skills training: Kyobe Foundation supports skills training programs that specifically target women in the climate sector. We equip girls and women with the necessary knowledge and skills so that they can actively contribute to climate solutions. Equal representation: We advocate for equal representation of women in all climate-related forums, conferences, and panels to ensure that women have a voice and platform to share their expertise, perspectives, and experiences. Support entrepreneurship and innovation: Kyobe Foundation fosters an environment that encourages women to start their own climate-focused businesses or initiatives. Provide financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them grow and succeed. It is important to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and actively contribute towards a sustainable future. Interventions such as supporting girls and women in agroecology and regenerative agriculture can help combat climate change by restoring soil health and sequestering carbon, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. Protecting the environment through sustainable agricultural practices reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, preventing water pollution and preserving biodiversity. All these enhance food security through prioritizing local and diverse food production, ensuring communities have access to health, nutritious food while also combating climate change.