Women and girls face disproportionate effects from climate change, yet remain underrepresented in media narratives, with only 25% of sources from a recent analysis being women. Authoritarian regimes further marginalize women’s voices, despite their crucial roles in environmental advocacy. The oversight of women in climate discussions can lead to ineffective policies that fail to address the needs of those most impacted.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, facing significant health risks from floods, droughts, and air pollution. Additionally, they often bear the responsibility of securing food, water, and energy for their families; hence, their lives and livelihoods are jeopardized when these resources become scarce. However, they remain underrepresented in climate change narratives, with a report from the non-profit Media Diversity Institute revealing that only 25% of quoted sources in online news about climate change from 2017 to 2021 were women, predominantly reflecting male experiences.
Research indicates that women are seldom cited in media discussions regarding climate change, particularly in authoritarian regimes such as Iran. My investigation, part of my PhD studies, highlights this alarming trend, as female voices in environmental reporting often face intimidation. For example, in a study of a recent heatwave in Iran, I discovered that extreme temperatures led to severe health issues among women; however, media coverage primarily focused on governmental responses rather than the women’s experiences.
Although reporting is challenging in authoritarian contexts, the lack of representation for women remains troubling. Research findings showed that many women, including professionals, opted for anonymity due to fear of repercussions. This widespread pattern underlines the obstacles women face, resulting in their voices remaining unheard and their struggles unacknowledged in climate narratives.
Despite their absence in media discussions, women play crucial roles in environmental advocacy. Studies indicate that women are more inclined than men to engage in volunteer work and sustainable practices, and jurisdictions with a higher proportion of women in leadership often devise stronger climate policies. However, media coverage tends to emphasize activists from wealthier nations, such as Greta Thunberg, while often neglecting the contributions of women leaders from developing countries significantly impacted by climate change.
Women like Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani from Iran, who suffered persecution for their conservation efforts, exemplify the dedication of women in leadership roles. Similarly, Juliet Kabera of Rwanda actively promotes the ban on single-use plastics at global negotiations. Such figures represent the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions to environmental movements, which are frequently overlooked by mainstream media.
In my research on environmental reporting within the Middle East and North Africa, findings reveal that women are predominantly portrayed as victims rather than as knowledgeable leaders or solution providers. Notably, female experts from the global south are frequently marginalized in discussions compared to their counterparts from the global north. This continuous oversight results in policies that do not adequately reflect the needs of those most affected by climate change and a missed opportunity to embrace diverse perspectives that are vital for effective environmental decision-making.
The issue of underrepresentation of women in climate change discourse is critical, given that they are disproportionately affected and are often at the forefront of environmental advocacy. Despite their significant roles and interests, women’s perspectives and experiences are frequently omitted from media narratives, which impacts policy effectiveness. To foster progressive action against climate change, it is essential to amplify women’s voices and include their insights, experiences, and leadership in environmental reporting.
Original Source: theconversation.com
