Women on the Frontlines: The Intersection of Gender and Climate in Sustainable Finance

A Personal Perspective

Dr. Asma Marouani, Founder of Estidama Academy

“Girls and women do not experience climate change in the same ways as boys and men. The reason? Historical and structural gender inequalities, which affect how, and to what extent, women can lead, make decisions, and advance solutions to combat climate change.”

Climate Change in the MENA Region: Women Bearing the Brunt

The devastating floods in Libya in 2023 are a stark reminder of how climate-related events impact women more severely. The flooding, which killed thousands and left many missing, disrupted essential services like healthcare, education, and water supply. Women, especially in rural areas, had limited access to health facilities, and the loss of infrastructure and resources further strained their roles in managing household survival. Similar issues can be seen in Tunisia, where heatwaves and droughts have severely affected agriculture, a sector largely dependent on women. My family, which has long owned olive lands, faced a decrease in olive yields due to the dry seasons in recent years, reducing the amount of labour available for women during harvest. 

These challenges are not only economic but deeply personal, as women are the primary caregivers, responsible for securing food, water, and energy for their families. As the climate crisis worsens, the gendered impacts are evident, but often overlooked in both local and national policy frameworks.

The Role of Sustainable Finance in Addressing Gender and Climate Challenges

Integrating gender equity into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies is crucial for ensuring that climate solutions are not only effective but inclusive. In my experience, gender perspectives in climate finance initiatives lead to more context-sensitive solutions. For instance, women’s involvement in water management and sustainable agriculture projects in Tunisia has led to better resource allocation and improved community resilience.

One example is the Oasis Project in Tunisia, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), where women played a central role in water management. This project involved women in the management of scarce water resources and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, including water-saving techniques like drip irrigation. Studies showed that women’s participation led to more efficient water use and increased agricultural yields, making communities more resilient.

The path forward

As a woman who has worked in both traditional finance and sustainable finance, and now runs an impact startup focused on professional development and upskilling in sustainability, I’ve come to recognize the profound connection between climate change, gender inequality, and finance. Sustainable finance is not only about mitigating environmental risks but also about creating systems that are inclusive, equitable, and resilient to the challenges posed by climate change.

In my past work on renewable energy access in MENA communities, I have seen how empowering women to take leadership roles in project design and implementation results in higher adoption rates and greater community acceptance. Women’s insights into the social and cultural dynamics of their communities make them uniquely qualified to drive successful climate solutions.

Climate finance must consider the needs, skills, and leadership of women. Women are not just victims of climate change; they are agents of change. A gender-inclusive approach to climate finance—ensuring women’s access to capital, resources, and leadership opportunities—will accelerate the transition to a more resilient and sustainable future.