On March 8, 2026, Jakarta faced severe floods, affecting many neighborhoods in this city known for sinking rapidly. The heavy rains displaced hundreds of residents, including those from nearby Bekasi, where I live.
This disaster on International Women’s Day struck a personal chord. The climate crisis often hits women the hardest, yet many overlook this important connection. It’s not just about weather; it’s also about gender and its impact on daily life.
Having experienced floods myself, I can attest that the climate crisis isn’t fair. It wears different masks for different people.
As a teenager, my family had to leave our childhood home for a crowded alley. We found ourselves in a flood-prone area, unaware of the risks until it was too late. One morning, we woke to rising waters. My father and brother set up makeshift barriers, while my mother and I packed vital documents in waterproof bags. Despite our efforts, the flood entered our home, leaving us without clean water or electricity.
Over time, we became accustomed to the floods. As a teenage girl, I often struggled to find basic sanitary supplies, like menstrual pads, during these chaotic times. It was hard to accept that the floods compromised my health while life kept throwing new challenges our way, from tidal floods and water scarcity to air pollution.
I spoke with many women in my neighborhood; each had her own story. Some were students, others were single mothers juggling sick children and polluted environments, and then there were those like my former neighbor who faced domestic violence. We often cursed the very rains that others romanticized.
Reflecting on these experiences, I recognized that countless women in Jakarta face similar struggles exacerbated by poverty and gender roles. The climate crisis doesn’t impact everyone equally.
Studies show that women, particularly from marginalized communities, bear the brunt of climate disasters. For example, in the Brazilian Amazon, Indigenous women spend longer hours in fields just to secure meager harvests and have to travel further for water as droughts become more frequent. Their daily responsibilities multiply as they care for sick family members affected by climate change.
Additionally, the stress of climate crises can lead to increased incidents of violence against women. In Indonesia, women often face systemic violence from authorities during environmental crises, further complicating their already difficult lives.
Despite the risks women face, they remain underrepresented in decision-making. Currently, women make up less than 40% of environment ministers in wealthier nations. This number is often lower in less developed countries or in sectors heavily affected by climate issues.
As we celebrate women’s contributions during Women’s History Month, it’s vital to remember those who lack access to healthcare and fair wages. We must advocate for marginalized women, including Indigenous leaders who play crucial roles in biodiversity, and human rights defenders facing intimidation.
Understanding the intersection of gender equality and climate justice is essential. It’s not enough to celebrate; we need to ensure women’s voices are heard and their issues addressed.
Social and climate justice are intertwined. Advocating for both is crucial to building a fairer and sustainable future for everyone.
For more insights on climate and gender issues, you can explore this report.
