In the face of the impending 'super' El Niño, a looming crisis is set to exacerbate existing inequalities, and one group is particularly vulnerable: women. The regional director of CARE International in East and Southern Africa, Walter Mwasaa, paints a stark picture of the challenges ahead, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on women's health and well-being. Mwasaa's insights shed light on the complex interplay between climate change, aid cuts, and the heightened risks faced by women in vulnerable communities.
The Gendered Impact of El Niño
El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has far-reaching consequences. This year's event is expected to be more severe due to a high forecasted temperature rise and the exacerbating effects of the climate crisis. While the impacts are widespread, Mwasaa highlights a critical aspect: women will bear the brunt of these challenges.
In both rural and urban areas, women will face significant health issues, including increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth. The story of a woman giving birth in a tree during floods in Mozambique is a stark reminder of the extreme measures women may resort to when health centers are overwhelmed or closed due to climate-related disasters. Mwasaa notes that as climate-induced disasters become more frequent, such stories will become increasingly common.
Aid Cuts and Their Devastating Effects
The situation is further complicated by the devastating impact of aid cuts. CARE's programming across East and Southern Africa has been significantly reduced due to foreign aid cuts, particularly from the US. The regional budget is expected to plummet from $250 million in 2024 to just $140 million by 2027. This reduction has severe implications for women's health and economic opportunities.
Ethiopia, for instance, once had programming worth $130 million, but this has been slashed to just $15 million by 2027. Malawi, the only country to receive direct foreign aid from the US for 2027, will receive a meager $8 million. These cuts mean fewer resources for women's health centers, education, and economic empowerment programs.
The Role of Private Sector Partnerships
In the face of dwindling aid, CARE is exploring private sector partnerships to support development initiatives. Mwasaa sees this as a potential solution, but he acknowledges the challenges. While engaging with local and global markets can be beneficial, finding products that people in African countries need and can afford is often difficult. This highlights the need for tailored solutions that address the unique needs and constraints of African communities.
Hope in Pan-African Cooperation
Despite the challenges, Mwasaa remains hopeful, citing the emergence of pan-African cooperation as a promising development. African countries have shown support for each other during crises like Ebola, and national governments are taking food security more seriously. This kind of ownership and solidarity is crucial for making development work in the years ahead.
In conclusion, the impending 'super' El Niño poses a significant threat to women's health and well-being, particularly in the context of aid cuts. While the challenges are daunting, the emergence of pan-African cooperation offers a glimmer of hope. As we navigate the complexities of climate change and global aid, it is essential to recognize and address the gendered impacts to build a more resilient and equitable future for all.
