Breaking Gendered Barriers: Exploring the Nexus between Youth, Climate Change, Migration, and Gender

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time, triggering consequences that reverberate across all borders. As the planet's climate continues to undergo rapid transformations, the phenomenon of climate migration has become increasingly prevalent, driving people away from their homes in search of safety and security, while also leaving others behind. Among those disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, including on their mobility, are young women and girls, whose experiences intersect with unique challenges, vulnerabilities, and barriers. This blog aims to spotlight the often-overlooked intersection between youth, climate change, migration, and gender, with a specific focus on the experiences of young women and girls. By delving into their journeys of displacement and understanding their struggles, we can uncover vital insights that pave the way for transformative solutions. Only through this nuanced exploration can we forge a more equitable and sustainable future, where young women and girls are not merely passive victims of climate change but empowered agents of resilience and progress.

The challenges faced by young women and girls when on the move in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters:

According to UNDP, when disasters strike, women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die. Women as a particularly vulnerable group within the context of climate change-related mobility, deserve special attention in policy-making, programming, and research. Young women and girls, considering the intersection of age and gender, are likely to face similar challenges and require tailored support to address their unique vulnerabilities. In communities affected by climate change, migration can be a strategy to secure jobs and escape poverty. However, climate-related disasters are linked to increased human trafficking. Without safe migration pathways, young women and girls often turn to dangerous routes, facing heightened risks of violence and exploitation by traffickers, law enforcement, and others. Additionally, some men may sell female relatives, including girls, to cope with climate-induced losses. Young women and girls’ experiences of displacement are shaped not only by climate-related factors but also by deeply ingrained gender inequalities and societal norms. Failure to address these unique challenges perpetuates cycles of vulnerability and prevents young women and girls from fully realizing their potential as agents of change and resilience. 

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence:

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) emerges as a critical concern when discussing the impacts of climate change on young women and girls' mobility. Instances of SGBV, exacerbated by climate change, in displacement camps underscore the urgent need for gender-based violence prevention and gender-responsive interventions to safeguard the well-being and dignity of young women and girls. Access to essential resources and services like sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) also becomes an obstacle for young women and girls in the wake of climate mobility. Limited access to education, SRHR, and livelihood opportunities further exacerbate their vulnerability. Moreover, deeply ingrained gender norms perpetuate traditional roles and expectations that restrict the mobility and decision-making power of young women and girls. 

As climate change pushes communities to adapt to new realities, these gender norms can become even more entrenched, hindering the full participation and agency of young women and girls. They are expected to take on increased domestic responsibilities, such as caring for family members and managing household chores. For instance, water scarcity may force girls to travel long distances to get water, possibly in unsafe conditions, taking time away from their education. Climate-induced food insecurity can lead to girls being pulled out of school to help with agricultural work, care for others, look for food and be more affected by hunger and malnutrition. 

Additionally, the perception of women and girls as less capable can lead to their exclusion from decision-making processes, further marginalizing their voices in climate adaptation strategies. Disrupted social structures and limited protection mechanisms make young women and girls particularly vulnerable. Climate disasters often result in forced displacement, interrupting girls' education and exposing them to higher risks of exploitation and violence such as forced child marriage. On the African continent, the aftermath of the catastrophic cyclones Idai and Kenneth that struck Mozambique during 2019's first half, unveiled a marked upsurge in early marriages. Adequate protection mechanisms and gender-responsive interventions are essential to safeguard their well-being and dignity. Organizations like UN Women and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have highlighted the importance of gender-responsive interventions in addressing SGBV in displacement settings.

Access to Resources and Services:

Access to resources and services becomes an uphill battle for young women and girls when on the move in the context of climate change. Economic disparities, limited access to education, and cultural norms that prioritize boys' education can further marginalize them, as exemplified in Malawi. The nation's economy, heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture, makes it particularly susceptible to the ravages of climate change, disrupting livelihoods and exacerbating food shortages. Family financial hardship disproportionately affects young women and girls, who are frequently pressured to drop out of school to do domestic work and find paid employment. This, in turn, increases their susceptibility to exploitation, including false promises made by traffickers about jobs and education further afield. 

In rural communities of Nepal, where climate change impacts agriculture, young women and girls may face restrictive gender norms that limit their mobility and decision-making power. They may be expected to adhere to traditional roles and responsibilities, restricting their participation in education and decision-making processes. Pacific Island nations are experiencing the impacts of rising sea levels and coastal erosion. These environmental changes led to a decrease in cultivable land and access to fresh water, a task primarily shouldered by Pacific women. As families are displaced, young women and girls often face specific challenges, With diminishing water resources, women and girls find themselves dedicating even more time to water collection for their families.  An example would be that in coastal areas of Fiji, where rising sea levels and cyclones threaten communities and where young women and girls face limited access to education and training opportunities.

To break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability, inclusive policies and programmes must address these gender inequalities, ensuring equal opportunities for education and vocational training. Supporting young women's education and economic empowerment not only benefits them but also contributes to the broader community's resilience. The case study “Understanding Women's Experiences of Climate Migration in Iraq” highlighted in IOM’s report “Effects of Climate Mobility on Women and Girls in the MENA Region” and led by People in Need in Salah al-Din Governorate, highlights several good practices that can improve the experiences of young women and girls. One significant practice is ensuring gender-inclusive approaches in climate migration research and programming. By incorporating young women's and girls’ perspectives, programs can more effectively address their specific needs and challenges, such as privacy, safety, and access to SRHR. Promoting young women’s participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction is another essential practice. This inclusion leverages their valuable knowledge and experience and empowers them, fostering resilience within communities. 

Challenging Gender Norms:

These specific examples demonstrate how climate change specifically impacts the mobility of young women and girls, highlighting the unique challenges they face in terms of SGBV, access to resources and services, and gender norms. Challenging these norms involves implementing comprehensive gender-sensitive education programs that empower young women and girls, promote gender equality, and encourage their active involvement in community initiatives. Promoting their inclusion and empowerment through mentorship programs, leadership development, and initiatives that challenge gender stereotypes can also help address these barriers. By addressing these specific issues, we can work towards more inclusive and equitable responses to climate mobility that prioritize the rights and well-being of young women and girls.

A Gender-Responsive and Youth-Centered Approach:

To address the multifaceted challenges faced by young women and girls in the realm of climate change and human mobility, a gender-responsive and youth-centered approach is imperative. Breaking free from all shackles affecting young women and girls necessitates comprehensive gender transformative education programs, targeted initiatives that challenge harmful stereotypes, and community engagement that empowers young women and girls as leaders of change. Policymaking and research must not only recognize but actively prioritize the specific needs, experiences, and perspectives of young women and girls whose mobility is affected by climate change impacts. Only by amplifying their voices and involving them in decision-making processes can we truly address the nuances of their struggles and aspirations. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize the diversity within this demographic, acknowledging the intersecting identities of young women and girls based on race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. Each layer of identity brings with it unique challenges and strengths, which must be taken into account when designing targeted interventions that leave no one behind. A truly inclusive approach requires the co-creation of solutions that resonate with the lived realities of young women and girls, empowering them as active participants in shaping their future.

Conclusion: 

The nexus between youth, climate change, migration and gender is an area that demands attention from policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike. Climate change continues to reshape communities around the world, and its impacts are felt most acutely by the most vulnerable, including young women and girls. Empowering young women and girls through education, economic opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes can unleash their potential as agents of change and resilience in the face of climate challenges. Building a gender-responsive and youth-centered approach is central to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for all young people. Recognizing their diversity and intersectionality is crucial in ensuring that climate responses are tailored to address the unique challenges they face. As we strive to build a resilient and equitable world, breaking gendered barriers must be at the forefront of our efforts. By investing in young women and girls, we invest in the future of our planet. Only through collective action and an unwavering commitment to addressing the nexus between youth, climate change, migration and gender can we forge a path towards a more just and sustainable world for all.

About the author:

Yasmina Benslimane holds a BA in Political Science and Communications from Saint Louis University - Madrid Campus, a MA in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace, and a MA in Forced Migration and Refugee Protection Studies with the School of Advanced Study, University of London. She has also completed the Forced Migration Summer School at the University of Oxford. Her research interests include climate change, disasters and displacement, gender-based violence in the migration context and youth participation in migration governance. Skilled in advocacy, communications, policy, research and writing, Yasmina has accumulated over six years of professional experience in the migration field with human rights institutions, NGOs and UN agencies in several countries including IOM, UNHCR, UNDP, and the Migration Policy Institute. She is currently the Gender Advisor at the Migration Youth and Children Platform (MYCP).

This article is part of the IOM Blog Series: Youth Voices on Migration, Environment and Climate Change