Social impact of climate change on rural women of India

Abstract

Climate change disproportionately affects rural women in India, exacerbating existing social inequalities. This research paper examines the social impact of climate change on these women, drawing upon the works of prominent Indian scholars like Indra Munshi, Amita Baveskar, Radhakamal Mukerjee, Shobhita Jain, and Bina Agarwal. It explores the theoretical framework of feminist political ecology and ecological economics to understand the gendered vulnerabilities created by climate events like droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns. The paper employs a qualitative research methodology, analyzing data and insights from the writings of the aforementioned scholars and the Economic and Political Weekly (EPW). The results and discussion highlight how climate change intensifies women's workload, jeopardizes their access to resources like water and food security, and increases their vulnerability to social issues like domestic violence and child marriage. The conclusion emphasizes the need for gender-inclusive climate adaptation strategies, empowering women through land rights, access to technology, and participation in decision-making processes.