Trend: Women as Emerging Leaders in Climate Action
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This article is part of the 56th issue of LEAP — Voices of Youth e-letter. Subscribe now.
In 2023, global temperatures hit a record high, marking the hottest year in Earth’s history. Extreme weather events are happening more often than ever. The desert city of Dubai, which hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP28) at the end of last year, recently suffered from flooding. Climate change impacts all of humankind, but women are one of the most vulnerable groups.
The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) serves as the world’s largest formal commission on gender equality and women empowerment policies. Attended by representatives from various countries, their annual meeting is held in March at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, bringing together officials, experts, scholars, and non-governmental organization workers from around the world to discuss the most urgent topics related to gender equality and women’s rights.
As early as two years ago during CSW66, “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programs” was established as the conference’s priority theme. The exacerbation of gender inequality by climate change has become a major global issue.
Strong Winds and Heavy Rains Causing a Significant Impact on Women
The 2004 South Asian tsunami (Indian Ocean earthquake) caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, 80% of which were women.
Climate change exacerbates both resource scarcity and gender inequality.
During times of social turmoil, women and girls often become more vulnerable to crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. In countries with inadequate infrastructure, it is typically men who go out for employment while women take on the responsibility of collecting water and fuel for the family. However, climate change has made these resources increasingly scarce and distant, requiring them to spend more time and energy while facing higher risks to personal safety. Moreover, this also indirectly limits their opportunities for education and employment.
Taiwanese Women are a Leading Force for Climate Reform
In the past, traditional Taiwanese women were the caregivers of the family. However, today, they are at the forefront of climate reform advocacy.
Taiwan has seen the emergence of many environmental groups initiated by “women homemakers” who hold a keen awareness around energy prices, living environments, and education for the next generation,
Established in 1987, the Homemakers United Foundation is one of Taiwan’s long-standing environmental organizations. Initially formed by a group of housewives concerned about severe environmental issues and inadequate educational resources, they have long advocated for eco-friendly living, green consumption, sustainable diets, and low-carbon energy conservation. They simultaneously monitor government policies and engage in social education activities.
Mom Loves Taiwan was originally a movement against nuclear power, but has since expanded its environmental advocacy to cover various areas including energy, transportation, construction, and daily life. They organize various lectures and workshops in communities and actively participate in international exchange. Furthermore, they even obtained observer status at the UNFCCC and attend the conference annually to bring international perspectives and new knowledge back to Taiwan. Drawing from their perspectives and role as mothers, the members of Mom Loves Taiwan help raise awareness on climate issues among family members and children.
Established in 2017, the Taiwan Obasang Political Equality Party is a rising political party in Taiwan. The term “obasang” means “middle-aged woman” in Taiwanese. Composed of local mothers, this party focuses on environmental justice and gender equality issues. Although it has not yet formally obtained seats or governing power, the Taiwan Obasang Political Equality Party ranked 5th among 16 parties during the parliamentary elections at the beginning of 2024, demonstrating the increasing visibility and influence of these mothers. In the future, they are poised to become a key force in promoting Taiwan’s environmental sustainability.
The Time for Women to Lead Climate Action Has Arrived
Although over 40% of women globally are involved in agricultural production, only slightly over 10% of them own the land. Without land ownership, it becomes challenging to secure loans and insurance or participate in decision-making processes. This limits their capacity to address climate change issues.
At this critical moment for the global transition to net-zero, the COP meetings in 2023 featured multiple side events focusing on women’s issues. For the first time, a Women Pavilion was set up, bringing together female climate advocates from around the world and calling for an increase in the proportion of women in decision-making roles, while highlighting the need for funding for women-led climate initiatives. Given a robust and equitable societal framework, women are more than capable of becoming leaders in the green transition.
Also in This Issue: Has Taiwan Achieved Gender Equality in the Workplace? A Review on The Female Workforce
Although the women’s labor force is crucial for Taiwan’s economic growth and stability, there remains a long road to go before true equality is achieved.
