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- Convenors:
-
Joyce Muchemi
(USIU - AFRICA)
Sarah Njeri (SOAS University of London)
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- Format:
- Paper panel
- Stream:
- Climate emergency and development
- Location:
- B305
- Sessions:
- Wednesday 26 June, -, -
Time zone: Europe/London
Short Abstract:
The panel will present papers that address diverse issues on the nexus between climate change and gender dynamics in the wake of the New Eco- Social Contract ranging from gendered adaptation strategies, non-discrimination, inclusivity, multifaceted poverty and social injustices.
Long Abstract:
Gender parity in the 21st century and environmental sustainability are key components in the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs). For many women especially in sub Saharan Africa this is met with many hurdles due to pre-existing inequalities, cultural constraints and a predominantly patriarchal system (Dlamini and Adams 2014). Livelihoods are also fundamentally connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) many of the women rely on livelihood activities such as agriculture that are vulnerable to climate-related shocks. Elsewhere these challenges are exacerbated or made complex due to conflict. Reliance on the existing social contract is also not an option. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the current social contract is broken. The transformational vision of Agenda 2030 also calls for a rethink. Addressing these inequalities includes seeking adaptive or supplementary livelihood strategies. Such strategies must address sustainability when explored within the framework of reducing impending adverse impacts of environmental and climate change hence the call to integrate new Eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives using an intersectional lens to understand the layers of exclusion that produce not only compounded but also distinctive barriers and outcomes. A rights based approach is therefore key to re-invigorating this new social ecosystem to rectify this inequality of women and other marginalized groups that existed in previous social contracts (Kempf and Hujo 2022).
This panels calls for papers that address this intersection. To what extent do the calls for a new eco-social contract address these interlinkages especially the exclusion of women and other marginalised groups?
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Wednesday 26 June, 2024, -Cathy Bollaert (Christian Aid) Baishali Chatterjee (Christian Aid)
Paper short abstract:
In the context of an international development programme, our contribution highlights how different aspects of poverty are exacerbated at the intersection of climate and gender inequality and provides recommendations for making climate justice programming gender transformative.
Paper long abstract:
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty which is exacerbated by climate crises. Part of the reason for this is that due to patriarchal, capitalist and (neo)colonial systems, climate policies tend to be decided and implement by men. Subsequently, women, girls and people whose gender identities and expressions fall outside the ‘norm’ - are being left out of leadership and financing opportunities that could address climate and gender inequality. Moreover, when climate justice programmes are designed by international development organisations , they risk being gender blind. Not only does this harden existing gender inequalities but it can also worsen poverty outcomes for women and girls.
This paper draws on research carried out by Christian Aid which examined the impact an international programme aimed at building climate resilience in Bangladesh and Kenya had on gendered social norms and gender transformation. It outlines how different aspects of poverty are exacerbated at this intersection of climate and gender inequality. In particular, it highlights the impact that climate crises have had on increasing women’s burden of care, precarity of their livelihood and food security, and lack of leadership opportunities. It also explores the challenges that such programmes face in adopting a gender transformative approach. Finally, the paper provides insights and recommendations for making climate justice programming gender transformative.
Anja Onali (University of Helsinki)
Paper short abstract:
The study explores the knowledge needs of female farmers and how to accommodate those needs into donors’ M&E practices in the context of rural Mozambique under the current climate urgency.
Paper long abstract:
In Mozambique climate change is causing extreme weather conditions that lead to floodings, cyclones, tropical storms, and other disasters. Agroforestry can be a way to reduce farmers’ climate risk as it increases adaptive capacity and reduces vulnerability. Women are key in taking these practices forward as they constitute more than 70 per cent of the agricultural labour force. Due to gendered norms and practices female farmers have poorer access to various inputs, including knowledge.
The legitimacy of different forms and types of knowledge depends on power differentials, prevailing values, social structures, and political ideologies. International actors that support local initiatives introduce elaborate and costly monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems that produce information especially for donor needs. Simultaneously local communities have their own systems of generating and sharing knowledge that they rely on. Indigenous and local knowledge is acquired through day-to-day living and reflection of observations and experiences of, for example, the effects of climate change on crops and harvests, or on gender relations.
With the current climate urgency and declining aid funding, we cannot afford to spend resources on M&E that is not useful for local actors. This study explores the knowledge needs of female farmers and how to accommodate those needs into donors’ M&E practices. The study promotes democratization of knowledge production by co-creation of knowledge through a transdisciplinary and participatory process that engages multiple actors with different institutional logics and knowledge cultures: a Finnish NGO, local intermediaries, and local communities.
Annabel Dulhunty (ANU)
Paper short abstract:
Drawing on research from the Indian Sundarbans, this paper illustrates how a feminist and rights-based approach is necessary if a new eco-social contract is to be further developed.
Paper long abstract:
As climate change worsens and creates a crisis of food insecurity, women’s wellbeing and overall health is hampered. When agriculture is threatened, women face disproportionate malnourishment as they go without food and try to manage depleting food systems (Khatri-Chhetri, 2020). These poor health outcomes are compounded by the higher likelihood of experiencing gender based violence as household stress exacerbates (Hayward and Ayeb-Karlsson, 2021). While these dynamics are becoming increasingly established in scholarship (Agrawal et al 2023), less research explores how women’s movements have forged a new eco-social contract which promotes a distinctly feminist approach to climate adaptation. This paper illustrates how gendered climate impacts must necessarily involve a feminist approach which also must be based on rights, not merely representation. Drawing on research from the Indian Sundarbans, this paper illustrates how a feminist and rights-based approach is necessary if a new eco-social contract is to be further developed.
Neha Yadav (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi)
Paper short abstract:
The paper presents a depth analysis of Pahadi women's unique vulnerabilities and resilience to climate change. It offers insights into gendered vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies, advocating for an inclusive eco-social contract that prioritises marginalised women's rights and representation.
Paper long abstract:
This paper explores the intricate nexus between climate change and gender dynamics in Uttarakhand, with a focus on the new eco-social contract. It draws upon the lived experiences of Pahadi (mountain) women, who confront the dual challenges of environmental changes and socio-cultural constraints within a predominantly patriarchal society. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative analysis, incorporating narratives and experiences of Pahadi women to provide an in-depth understanding of their struggles and adaptation strategies.
The findings reveal how pre-existing societal structures, rooted in patriarchy and caste, exacerbate the impacts of climate change on Pahadi women, limiting their access to resources and decision-making power. Despite these challenges, the study highlights the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of these women in adapting to environmental changes, often using traditional knowledge and practices. However, these efforts are hampered by a lack of representation in political and decision-making processes.
The novelty of this research lies in its intersectional approach, which elucidates the layers of exclusion and distinct barriers faced by women in mountainous regions. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender and climate change by showcasing how Pahadi women’s indigenous knowledge and practices offer sustainable adaptation strategies. It argues for a rights-based approach in redefining the eco-social contract, emphasizing the need for inclusive and non-discriminatory policies that recognize and integrate women’s voices and experiences.
By highlighting the specific challenges and contributions of Pahadi women, this research advocates for a more inclusive and equitable eco-social contract, ensuring their rights and representation are central to climate adaptation strategies.
Terry Jeff Odhiambo (United States International University -Africa)
Paper short abstract:
This paper investigates the intersection of climate justice and gender justice in Kenya’s changing social and natural situation. Using a rights-based approach and an intersectional analysis, the paper assesses Kenya’s New Eco-Social Contract’s capacity to alleviate gender-based inequality.
Paper long abstract:
This study investigates the complex relationship between climate justice and gender justice, focusing on Kenya's shifting social and environmental dynamics. Recognizing the critical role of women’s leadership, the study takes a rights-based approach and incorporates an intersectional analysis to investigate the transformative potential of Kenya’s New Eco-Social Contract.
The paper expands on previous research that highlights women’s vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of climate change consequences, while taking into account the compounding effects of pre-existing inequities, cultural restrictions, and patriarchal structures. By identifying core reasons, the paper hopes to uncover the layers of exclusion based on gender, identity, race, and class. This intersectional lens tries to move beyond a sole focus on gender to grasp the linked nature of vulnerabilities and power dynamics.
The paper adds to the discussion of sustainable development goals by investigating gendered adaption techniques, livelihood obstacles, and social injustices encountered by women and marginalized groups in Kenya. It contends that gender equality is not only an objective in itself but also a necessary component of effective climate justice programs. According to the paper, the New Eco-Social Contract presents a chance for transformative change by emphasizing the importance of an inclusive and equitable social ecology.
Antti Pinomaa (LUT University) Leticia Tomas Fillol (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology) Marko Nieminen (Aalto University)
Paper short abstract:
Access to energy and internet, following productive use of electricity and digital services has significant impacts on rural under-served community livelihood. We introduce how such a concept built in a solar cooker can foster digital and gender inclusion, education and new business in Global South.
Paper long abstract:
In Africa, food is mainly prepared under open fire. Burning wood or charcoal for cooking cause deforestation. Other drawbacks are negative impacts on health, socio-economic development, cooking is time consuming taking most of the time of women and girls, who traditionally are responsible in food preparation. Solar energy holds high potential to become one of the main energy sources in Africa, offering a solution to overcome traditional fuels. We have witnessed how solar and battery-energy-storage-powered electric cookers equipped with internet access provisioning have huge socio-economic impacts, changed the lives, and improved livelihood in rural under-served communities in Zambia. Through surveys, we have got in-depth insights of local surroundings. Such solution can close digital divide gap and gender inequality. Women, in particular, are benefitting; time is saved; there is no need to go gather firewood or buy charcoal from long distances. Cooking times are reduced significantly, and since having solar cookers, even men who previously didn’t cook have start cooking, freeing more time for women. Women have started using this freed time to engage more in afforestation activities, and/or crafting and selling the end products. With productive use of energy and internet access new small business can emerge. Girls can go to school and focus on school homework. This highlights transformation of structural gender inequality, digital inclusion and encourages a shift in gender roles for future generations. With the access to such technology, all family members, regardless of their gender, age, are participating in cooking and take advantages of newly-opened opportunities.
Monika Rozalska (University of Lodz)
Paper short abstract:
This study explores the nexus of climate change, gender, and Youth in Ghana. By utilising intersectional lens and the new eco-social contract, it analyzes Ghanaian youth's experiences and representation in decision-making and advocate for global solidarity for sustainable strategies.
Paper long abstract:
This study examines the convergence of climate change, gender dynamics, and Youth representation in Ghana's socio-environmental and political landscape, contextualized within the framework of the new eco-social contract. By adopting an intersectional lens, the research analyzes the interplay between these factors and their impact on the diverse experiences of young Ghanaians and their political aspirations. The study explores the complex dimensions of climate change, gender, and youth within Ghana's context by utilizing mainly qualitative tools – interviews and policy analysis.
Through the Youth representation dimension, the paper explores how young Ghanaians navigate climate-induced challenges, contribute to adaptation strategies, and have their perspectives shaped by international influences. Employing interviews and discourse analysis, the author illustrates nuanced youth viewpoints on the issues of sustainability and intersectionality and their representation in decision-making processes.
Within the new eco-social contract, the study examines Ghanaian Youth's experiences and perceptions of social justice, climate adaptation and inclusivity in sustainable development. The paper presents some ideas on how this could be translated into tangible policies and practices in the context of contemporary Ghana or other African states.
By incorporating international cooperation, this research addresses Ghanaian Youth's challenges, evaluating how global influences shape their perspectives and contribute to policies. The findings aim to promote strategies based on solidarity, gender equity, and youth representation and promote collaborative international efforts for a sustainable future in Ghana and beyond.
Eve Nyemba
Paper short abstract:
The paper seeks to analyse the effectiveness of the Gendered Eco-Social Contract in Promoting Sustainable Agro-based Livelihoods in Africa. The paper focuses on a case study of Zimbabwe.
Paper long abstract:
The climate change conundrum presents the most daunting challenge of the 21st century to mankind. Individuals, governments and international institutions alike are at loggerheads on how to mitigate climatic impacts on Agro-based livelihoods in developing countries. Whilst most studies have analysed climate change adaptation strategies facing Smallholder Farmers (SHF's) in Zimbabwe, including inter alia, changing weather patterns, sporadic rainfall, flooding, long dry spells, cyclones, poverty and incessant food scarcity, they have not focused on the Eco-Social Contract. The 20th century social contract associated with the welfare state, provision of public services and the upholding of universal values has broken down. Recent social contracts show deficiencies in social protection as they create gendered inequalities and expose the vulnerabilities of Socially Excluded Groups (SEGs) like women, youths and People with Disabilities (PWDs). This paper seeks to critically assess the feasibility of calls for a new eco-social contract that addresses the intersectionality between gender and climate change. A qualitative research design was adopted for the study. Key informant interviews and documentary search were utilised for data collection. Data were analysed using thematic and discourse analysis. A rights-based approach is key to sustainable agro-based livelihoods and effective adaptation strategies that reduce the susceptibilities of SEGs who feel left out and left behind. Agenda 2063 seeks to reach the furthest behind first and leave no-one behind. A gendered Eco-Social Contract can improve the livelihoods of marginalised groups living in remote areas and equip them to be better prepared for shocks caused by climate change.
Djamila Andrade (University of Coimbra)
Paper short abstract:
This paper delves into ecofeminist critiques of development through the lens of Mozambican women. Addressing their concerns across various contexts, it seeks to contribute to the collective construction of ecofeminist perspectives from the southern Mozambique's worldview.
Paper long abstract:
This paper is about the ecofeminist critique to development from the perspective of the Mozambican women. Like many African countries, Mozambique is undergoing a social, political, and economic crisis and the consequences of the global ecological catastrophe. The ecofeminist critiques of development can be summarized in four essential points: (1) the Western anthropocentric vision, which continues to define humanity's relationship with the planet and all the living and non-living beings that inhabit it; (2) the presence of androcentrism and misogyny in development thinking; (3) the development discourse as a patriarchal, colonial and capitalist product which adopts a predatory and extractive view of life, promoting global climate catastrophes; and (4) the profile of developmental extractivism in Africa combined with the specific ecological effects to which the continent is exposed, and their impact on women. The methodological approach is qualitative, where I carried out two focus group interviews with an intersectional approach: one with a group of academic and activists’ women, and other with a group of peasant women from Maputo province. I conclude that at a time when the country is dominated by neoliberal and extractivist capitalist policies, in which life is a privilege for some and not a right for all, I argue that ecofeminist critiques correspond to the concerns and challenges of these Mozambican women from different contexts. As such, this paper aims to contribute to the collective construction of ecofeminist thinking and practices that emerge from a way of speaking and thinking about the world from southern Mozambique.