Women Innovate Solutions to Combat Extreme Heat Amidst Rising Temperatures
Women experience extreme heat differently to men. And they’re adapting to it in creative ways

Image: The Conversation
As India faces a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 46°C, women are disproportionately affected due to gendered roles and responsibilities. They are adapting creatively to extreme heat through grassroots initiatives, highlighting the need for climate policies that recognize these unique challenges and support women's innovative solutions.
- 01Approximately 490,000 people die from heat globally each year, with women facing unique challenges that are often overlooked.
- 02Inadequate sanitation in informal workplaces during heatwaves significantly impacts women, leading to dehydration and health issues.
- 03Higher temperatures have been linked to increased domestic violence against women, with women in Cameroon reporting nearly three times the likelihood of experiencing violence during extreme heat.
- 04In Bangladesh, rising heat has been associated with an increase in child marriages as families seek to alleviate financial burdens.
- 05Women in informal settlements are implementing creative adaptations, such as building shaded areas and cooler roofs, to cope with extreme heat.
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India is currently experiencing an unusual heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 46°C. This extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly for women, who are often the primary caretakers in households. Research indicates that women face unique challenges during heatwaves, such as spending more time indoors in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to physical and mental stress. Additionally, women in informal workplaces in India and Bangladesh suffer from inadequate sanitation, forcing them to drink less water to avoid unhygienic facilities, which exacerbates dehydration. Social isolation increases during heatwaves, particularly for pregnant women, impacting their wellbeing. Disturbingly, higher temperatures have been linked to increased domestic violence and rising rates of child marriage in several countries, including Cameroon and Bangladesh. However, women are adapting creatively to these challenges, employing grassroots solutions like building shaded areas and cooler roofs in their communities. These adaptations not only provide relief from heat but also foster social connections. Policymakers must recognize and support these efforts to ensure effective climate adaptation strategies that address the specific needs of women.
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The extreme heat exacerbates health risks, social isolation, and economic pressures for women, leading to increased domestic violence and child marriage.
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