Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate change, suffering health consequences and facing economic hardships due to extreme weather. Despite their critical roles in environmental stewardship, they are often underrepresented in media narratives, with only one in four sources quoted as women. Research shows that women lead many environmental initiatives yet remain largely invisible in discussions and reporting, raising questions about the inclusivity and accuracy of climate discourse.
Women and girls disproportionately endure the ramifications of climate change, facing health risks from floods, droughts, and other environmental disasters. Often tasked with securing essential resources such as food and water for their families, extreme weather conditions threaten their livelihoods and well-being. Despite the severity of these challenges, women remain significantly underrepresented in climate change discourse, with analysis indicating that only one in four sources quoted in climate-related news stories between 2017 and 2021 were women, thus framing the narrative predominantly through male perspectives.
As a researcher focusing on environmental issues in authoritarian regimes, including Iran and the Middle East, I found that women are infrequently quoted in news reporting on climate change. Those who do speak often operate under threat, which inhibits their participation in public discussions. Political sensitivities surrounding environmental topics in Iran create an environment of fear, where even talking about air pollution can provoke state backlash, discouraging female voices.
During a recent heatwave in Iran with record temperatures exceeding 50°C, I discovered through confidential discussions that women experienced severe health complications due to the extreme weather. However, when examining media coverage, the emphasis was largely on governmental actions, neglecting the critical health impacts on women. Many potential female sources expressed fears of reprisal from state authorities, illustrating broader patterns of silencing women’s experiences in the media.
Ironically, while women’s voices are absent from climate reporting, they are at the forefront of numerous environmental initiatives. Evidence shows that women engage more actively in volunteer work supporting environmental causes, and countries with greater female political representation tend to adopt more robust climate policies. However, media recognition of women environmental leaders is often disproportionate, with fewer stories emerging from regions facing the harshest climate impacts.
For instance, environmental activists like Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani in Iran have been persecuted for their conservation efforts. Their activism aimed at protecting endangered species has largely been overlooked in the media narrative despite their significant contributions. Similarly, Juliet Kabera from Rwanda champions the ban on single-use plastics, advocating on international platforms but receiving less coverage compared to western counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the inadequacy of media in portraying women as climate leaders and experts.
Research reveals that women in the Middle East and North Africa are often cast as mere victims in climate discourse, rather than recognized for their expertise. The global north sees greater inclusion of women in climate conversations compared to the global south, leading to a significant misrepresentation of their roles and experiences. As we overlook women’s perspectives in crisis situations, we risk creating environmental policies that do not adequately cater to those with the most at stake in climate discussions. The pressing question remains: if women are the most impacted by climate change and are leading the fight, why are they not equally represented in media narratives?
In summary, women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis, yet their voices remain largely marginalized in environmental reporting. The lack of representation in media not only undermines their experiences but also the solutions they propose. This gap in coverage contrasts sharply with their active roles in climate initiatives and policy advocacy. Addressing this disparity is crucial to ensure that environmentally sustainable solutions reflect the lived realities of those most affected by climate change. It is imperative for media outlets to elevate women’s perspectives and contributions to climate discourse, thereby enriching the narrative surrounding this global issue.
Original Source: theconversation.com
