Journal of Climate Action, Research, and Policy

Adverse climate change is more than an environmental concern. The are several consequential outcomes of climate change such as loss of oil wealth, depletion of scarce resources, decline in sources of livelihood, property loss, water shortages, and land scarcity. Secondary effects could include increased mortality, deteriorating health, hunger, poverty, inequality, and financial hardship. Studies over the years have shown that climate change could also precipitate conflicts and lead to displacements. For many women in conflict situations, it is difficult to access medical care, especially reproductive healthcare. Amid efforts to contain insecurity and its devastating effect, the government often loses sight of the vulnerabilities of women and girls, whose reproductive health challenges have been exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Men and women may encounter health challenges in climate change-induced conflict situations however, women may be affected more differently than men. Specific healthcare services, treatments, and commodities for women’s general and reproductive/sexual health are often ignored despite the need for healthcare, menstrual hygiene products, health education, and general health supplies in times of conflict. In addition to the associated conflict-related risk, women may face a heightened risk of rape and other sexual-related violence. The risk to women and girls may further increase if resources are diverted from sexual and reproductive health care to respond to the insecurity and crises or where the supply chain is affected by climate change-induced conflicts. This study examines the challenges that women face in climate change-induced conflict and post-conflict situations, particularly as it affects their reproductive health rights. It further argues that the realization that women’s reproductive and sexual health in a climate change-induced conflict setting is a human right that warrants concerted attention. Ultimately, it advocates for gender-sensitive responses to the reproductive and sexual health of women and girls as a matter of fundamental human right.