Engaging women in mitigating climate change and building climate resilience - Anshdeep kaur ajmani

कुएं से पानी लाने के लिए

तुम माँ को आवाज लगाते हो,

मगर गर्मी की दुविधा के हल के लिए

बाबा को जगाते हो l

कोई बात मनवाने के लिए

फुसफुसाते मां के कान में हो,

और घर की बातों में बोलते वक्त

वाणी को विराम देने को कहते हो l

यह भेदभाव अब नहीं चलेगा,

वक्त के साथ ज़माना भी बदलेगा l

अपने हक के लिए अब वो खुद लड़ेगी,

हर काम में कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर अब वो खड़ेगी।

They say a house without a woman is merely a structure made of bricks and cement. However, when infused with love, care, emotions, and feelings, this structure becomes a home. Each family is like shapeless clay molded by a woman. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of everyone in the household, whether they are basic or complex. She embodies the qualities of the nine goddesses from Hindu mythology: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Every woman possesses these divine qualities within herself and manifests them when required. In Hindu mythology, women are regarded as the creators and destroyers of all. However, it is ironic that despite their influence in all aspects of life, we still limit their power to certain domains.

For many years, we have lived in a patriarchal society, but now is the time for change. We must address and focus on crucial issues, and we must open the doors and welcome women to share their profound knowledge with the world. One such pressing issue is climate change, which often overlooks the role of women. This problem transcends borders and requires attention from various perspectives. Modern women have successfully balanced their household responsibilities with their engagement in the outside world. This balance has exposed them to numerous challenges and experiences, leading to diverse knowledge and insights.

Organizations like the WIE-IEEE(Women In Engineering) aim to promote the participation and representation of women in most engineering fields, including that of mitigating climate change. It does this by organizing awareness campaigns and educating people through workshops, seminars, and conferences that feature women experts to discuss these issues. It also establishes mentoring programs for guiding young women about pursuing careers in related fields. It encourages women to research and come up with innovative ideas and policies that can be implemented to reduce the effects of climate change. Also, WIE-IEEE collaborates with organizations and companies to reach more people who can work towards the common goal.

Engaging women in addressing global climate change and adapting to its effects can be highly beneficial.

For instance, the usage of air conditioners during summer releases harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere and consumes excessive electricity. It is advisable to limit the use of ACs. If we seek a solution from a woman, she might suggest a traditional approach. As a woman, I would propose that households sprinkle water on their terraces, which are the primary source of heat conduction. The water will absorb heat from the terrace surface and evaporate as vapor, leaving the terrace cool. Additionally, covering the terrace area with reflective green material or using green curtains can help reduce heat absorption.

Planting saplings around homes can also contribute to maintaining lower temperatures indoors compared to the outside environment. Afforestation should be practiced nationwide and globally to counter rising temperatures. This approach not only mitigates the factors leading to global warming but also aids in healing the environment from the adverse effects of pollution.

This is just one approach to address the problem. Engaging more women in climate change mitigation will bring forth numerous solutions that are advantageous for the environment, cost-effective, and most importantly, bring about positive changes in our lives.

As per SDG 15 women’s specific knowledge and dependence on forests makes them key contributors to forest conservation and regeneration.

Our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers possess valuable knowledge of Ayurveda, which can effectively address untreated problems worldwide. It is crucial to raise awareness and enlighten people about the incredible potential of the natural resources Mother Earth possesses and to utilize them wisely.