EMPOWERING WOMEN; THE NEXUS OF VIOLENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

By Radiatu H.S. Kahnplaye

Monrovia: Women’s Advocate As we observe the sixteen days of activism to end all forms of violence against women, I have this reflection and thought to share. As a feminist and gender activist, I am vigilant and committed to the world’s fight against violence towards women.

This issue is not just one that is of statistics or an isolated issue; it’s an enveloping and universal problem that affects women and girls worldwide, impacting their physical and mental health, protection, and pride. Violence against women comes in so many different forms, like physical, emotional, psychological, and economic, and it’s rooted in gender inequality and the misuse of power.

For me, it is vital to note that the violence being mentioned here is not only personal but societal and requires standing up together to request actions that will bring change to the patriarchal systems that continue the sufferings women and girls experience. It is time to leave behind awareness and take actions that are concrete enough to prevent and support those who are survivors of violence against women.

This means executing and requiring robust laws to provide reachable and inclusive support services and promoting an enabling environment that empowers women and seeks gender impartiality. One important thing to continue is amplifying the voices of those most affected. In amplifying the voices, we must consider community-led initiatives, targeting grassroots movements that have regularly proven that they can drive real solutions.

We must listen and create sustainable and impactful solutions through support to achieve these initiatives. After many years of speaking, it is time to turn talk into action. We can hold perpetrators accountable, provide support to victims, and contest cultural norms that spread violence. Collectively, a world where every woman and girl can live free from violence and achieve their full potential can be created. Likewise, it is fundamental to recognize that violence against women makes worse the impact climate change has on women and girls. When it occurs in communities, the burden of climate disasters is often placed on women and girls to bear. Women and girls mostly experience displacement, loss of livelihood, and increased vulnerability to violence. During a crisis, perpetrators of gender-based violence are amplified, creating an environment complex for the most vulnerable gender to recover and rebuild.

 The intersection of climate change and gender-based violence can’t be overemphasized and requires integrated solutions happening together. This can help build resilient communities with empowered women and girls ready to lead and thrive in adversity. What Role can Finance play in Combating Violence and Climate Change?

To combat violence and climate change, tolerable financial resources are critical to addressing these knotted issues efficiently. One area to ensure investments are directed to, whether Public or private, are initiatives supporting women and girls, particularly in climate resilience and violence prevention. Suppose women and girls must be protected and empowered. In that case, finance is vital in building the infrastructure needed to do so, considering educational programs, psychological support, legal aid, and funding for shelter.

Investing in community-led climate solutions, which is the real solution, helps mitigate the impacts of climate change on women and girls and assures their safety and security during environmental crises. Because these issues must be treated as urgent, national and international commitments must reflect this urgency through adequate financial allotments.

COP29 finance negotiations have again set a benchmark, with developed nations committing $300 billion annually by 2035. However, a step in the right direction has been taken, paying less attention to the 1.3 trillion needed annually to address the climate crisis. Let’s continue the push for more ambitious commitments and ensure that promises made are kept while ensuring that these allotments in a way address gender-specific vulnerabilities.

The inclusion of gender consideration in climate finance will ensure that no one is left behind, especially women who are on the frontline of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Transparency and accountability should form part of our advocacy to track financial flows and ensure that monies reach the communities affected. By effectively making available financial resources, we can provide a sustainable and equitable future where women and girls are empowered, resilient, and safe against the challenges posed by violence and climate change. Collectively, the fight against violence towards women and girls is inherently connected with challenges modeled by climate change and the need for financial solutions. Suppose we can address these two issues jointly.

In that case, we can empower women and girls and create a more just and equitable world, realizing this vision through unity, action, and sustained financial commitments.

Radiatu H.S. Kahnplaye is the head of Administration and Finance at Green Advocates International and Policy Advisor at Natural Resource Women Platform, is working on network building and technical assistance for the platform. Her responsibilities include designing advocacy strategies through evidence-based field investigations. And strengthening women’s leadership around the issues of land and natural resources.