The looming threat of a "super" El Niño event is set to exacerbate existing inequalities, with women bearing the brunt of its impact. This is the stark warning from Walter Mwasaa, the regional director of CARE International in East and Southern Africa, who highlights the disproportionate effects on women's health and well-being. Mwasaa's concerns are not unfounded, as research supports the idea that climate-induced disasters disproportionately affect women and girls. For instance, in Bangladesh, child marriage rates soar by 40% post-disaster, while in Somaliland, girls are forced into arduous water walks instead of attending school. The situation is further complicated by the fact that during times of poor harvest, pregnant women and babies require dietary diversity, which is often neglected in favor of other family members. Moreover, the ongoing climate crisis intensifies health problems for pregnant women, as extreme heat becomes a major concern. Mwasaa emphasizes the role of women in providing food and care, often at the expense of their own rest and nutrition. This is exemplified by a harrowing story of a woman giving birth in a tree during floods in Mozambique, a scenario that will become increasingly common as climate-induced disasters become more frequent. The situation is dire, with aid cuts exacerbating the challenges faced by women and girls. CARE's programming in East and Southern Africa has been significantly reduced due to foreign aid cuts, with budgets expected to plummet from $250 million in 2024 to just $140 million by 2027. This has led to the closure of health and nutrition centers in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia, where two million children are acutely malnourished. The diversion of resources from climate adaptation programs to emergency relief further diminishes women's economic opportunities. Mwasaa advocates for a shift towards supporting local markets and improved farming practices, but the reality is complex. The private sector's involvement in development programs is crucial, but finding products that meet the needs and budgets of African countries can be challenging. Despite these obstacles, Mwasaa remains hopeful, citing pan-African cooperation as a promising trend. The continent's commitment to supporting each other during crises, such as the Ebola outbreak, bodes well for the future of development efforts.
