Proceedings of The 6th Global Conference on Women’s Studies
Year: 2024
DOI:
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The Correlation Between Climate Change and Women’s Health: The Case of Cameroon
Esunge Beatrice Epie epse. Sone Nkoke
ABSTRACT:
The impacts of climate change on women’s health is a growing concern that needs urgent consideration and attention. Research shows that climate change affects men and women differently and that women are at greater risk due to socioeconomic, cultural, and physiologic factors that increase their vulnerability and exposure to risks. Even within the same climatic region, the impacts of climate change on women’s health may differ in nature and intensity. Although Cameroon is integrating climate change-selected strategies and plans, there is little focus on climate change and how it affects women’s health. This paper aims at understanding how climate change influences women’s health in Cameroon. To achieve this goal, data relating to climate change impacts on women’s health was examined. The study reveals climate change is impacting women’s health, but there is still a heightened misunderstanding and enough interest has not yet been generated to spur serious consideration and actions by the government of Cameroon. Therefore, the implications of this study could be exploited in Cameroon and beyond, to promote a deeper interest and understanding of climate change and its effects on women’s health, such that there is enough evidence to influence decisions. Equally, more research could result in seeing the need to empower women to take part in decision-making on issues that concern them. This will help build capacities and increase the knowledge base, empower women to talk about climate change and improve mitigation and adaptation strategies at both the local and national levels. This study correlates with other findings showing that climate change affects women’s health in Cameroon not only because of their natural constitution but also due to their occupations and the preponderant role they play in the upkeep of their families. The recommendations are thus geared to address this and related issues from policy to the grassroots levels.
keywords: Climate change, Women, Health, Cameroon