The impending 'super' El Niño event, a natural climate phenomenon, is set to exacerbate existing challenges, particularly for women, across East and Southern Africa. This region, already grappling with the consequences of aid cuts and the climate crisis, is on the brink of a crisis that could disproportionately affect women's health and well-being. As the regional director of CARE International in East and Southern Africa, Walter Mwasaa, warns, 'We should be very worried about the coming super El Niño, and we should absolutely be viewing it as a women's health problem.'
El Niño, triggered by warm sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, leads to droughts in some regions and increased rainfall in others. This year's event is expected to be more severe due to high temperature rises and the climate crisis. The impact on women is profound, as they often bear the brunt of these changes. In rural and urban areas alike, women face significant health challenges and are responsible for caring for families and households. The threat is further compounded by aid cuts, which have led to significant reductions in funding for programs designed to improve women's economic opportunities.
One of the most concerning impacts is the rise in child marriage due to climate-induced disasters. Research shows a 40% increase in child marriage in Bangladesh, while droughts in Somaliland force girls to walk for hours to collect water instead of attending school. Additionally, depleted household savings post-disaster often prioritize sons' education over daughters', and pregnant women and babies require dietary diversity during poor harvests. The extreme heat associated with the climate crisis poses a significant health risk to pregnant women worldwide.
The story of a woman giving birth in a tree during floods in Mozambique illustrates the dire situation. With health centers closing due to aid cuts, such stories are becoming more common. Climate adaptation efforts are diverting resources from programs aimed at improving women's economic prospects, and the private sector is struggling to provide the necessary products that African countries need or can afford.
However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of pan-African cooperation. African countries have pledged support for each other during crises like Ebola, and national governments are taking food security more seriously. This kind of ownership is crucial for the success of development initiatives in the future. The challenge now is to translate this cooperation into practical solutions that address the specific needs of women and girls in the face of the impending El Niño event and the ongoing climate crisis.
