Empowering Women and the Planet: How Tamil Nadu’s Shift from Manjappai to E-Autos is Championing Climate Justice

The Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission aims to support women vendors, but many wonder if it can truly reach the state’s 38 million women. Handing out 100 e-autos may seem like a step in the right direction, but critics argue it doesn’t address deeper issues like access to clean toilets or safe housing for women involved in street vending.

Environmental activist Nityanand Jayaraman raises significant concerns. He points out that many roadside vendors often face severe health problems, including bladder issues, due to a lack of clean facilities. “Access to drinking water and toilets is vital, especially as climate change worsens these challenges,” he explains.

Additionally, he highlights the housing crisis in Chennai. Many women live in unsuitable conditions, often in homes that lack basic amenities like windows. A study from the Information & Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities (IRCDUC) reported over 8,000 homeless individuals in Chennai, with families making up 69% of that number.

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan, a researcher from Harvard Medical School, focuses on how climate change affects maternal health in Tamil Nadu. He believes that the climate mission should also prioritize caregivers and mothers, especially in rural areas. “While the state’s strategy looks good on paper, it misses addressing critical health needs,” he notes.

His research revealed that extreme heat impacts mothers and their infants significantly. According to his findings, 91% of mothers experienced sleep disturbances due to heat, and nearly one in five dealt with anxiety during their pregnancy. Alarmingly, only 8% of new mothers have access to mental health support. “Women facing this stress often struggle in silence,” Saravanan adds.

His fieldwork shows how environmental challenges directly affect pregnant women. In places like Nagapattinam, women sometimes deliver babies without electricity during floods. They deal with disrupted medication storage and harsh living conditions during heatwaves.

Saravanan calls for immediate solutions. “We need safe maternal care during disasters. Just as we prepare cyclone shelters, we must create climate-resilient birth care,” he insists. He also believes women should have a voice in planning these initiatives. “It’s essential to have women from all backgrounds at the table,” he stresses.

Despite some initiatives, there’s uneven implementation across districts. A senior official remarked that success often depends on the interest of local leaders. While gender-focused projects are gaining traction in urban areas, rural women, especially in agriculture, still need structured support. There’s frustration around government efforts being stunted by frequent leadership changes.

Development expert Karthik Gurunathan notes the state’s ambitious plans for renewable energy by mid-century but cautions against short-term decisions that contradict these goals. “You can’t combat climate change without changing your economic model,” he argues.

Nityanand criticizes the state for promoting policies that undermine climate efforts. “Building new coal plants while claiming to combat climate change sends mixed messages,” he says.

As the climate crisis unfolds, it’s crucial for Tamil Nadu to reconsider its strategies. Making women active participants in climate initiatives is not just beneficial; it’s necessary for a truly resilient future.

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