CLIMATE CHANGE AND VULNERABILITIES OF RURAL WOMEN: CONCEPTUALIZING THE CHALLENGES IN A GENDERED PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Women are more vulnerable in rural regions of India because of their vulnerability to climate change-induced environmental degradation as well as natural calamities, when compared to men. Particularly because of the discrimination and inequalities in society, women have issues in the process of adjusting to climate change-induced extreme natural events. Poverty, physical and mental disability, pregnancy, malnutrition, child care, etc. even make it even more difficult to live women to cope with the circumstances exacerbated by climate change and the related extreme events. The ground purpose of the research is to conceptualise the various gendered vulnerabilities of female that are compounded by their varying socio-physiological position. A wide range of literature reviews on the gender issues concerning climate change has been done as part of the methodology. This paper has also included the own observation by the author who has visited various areas around rural India through field visit. The paper analyses and theorises various aspects of women's gendered vulnerabilities caused by various socio-physiological factors. The research also tries to identify certain expectations and optimistic practices on the international level in resolving gendered inequalities aggravated by the adverse situation brought about by climate change.