Guide on Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples

Part VII1Indigenous Women andClimate ChangeWHY DO INDIGENOUS WOMENMATTER IN CLIMATE CHANGE?90% - percent of work in gatheringwater and wood for householduse and food preparation done bywomen in Africa.5 hours - no. of hours in a dayspent by women in collecting fuelwood and water in other regions.4 hours - no. of hours in a dayspent by women in preparing foodalso in other regions.Source: Facts and Figures: Womenand Water. Accessed from http://www.wateryear2003.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=2543&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html on 4 April 2008.• Half of the world's estimated populationof 300 million indigenous peoplesare women.• They are the key in the preservation,sustenance and survival of the humanrace and diversity.• They are major actors in human security:food, health and overall wellbeingof their families and communities, and• They hold and practice traditionalknowledge on sustainable use of biodiversitythat are essential in keepingecological balance that negates climatechange.2What are the impactsof climate change onindigenous women?If climate change has hugeimpacts on indigenous peoples asa whole, indigenous women aremore disproportionately affected.Inaction to arrest the cause andeffects of this phenomenonposes a grave threat to the lives,welfare and roles of one ofthe most vulnerable sectors onwhose hands partly depend thesustenance and wellbeing ofindigenous communities.PART VII: Indigenous Women and Climate Change 109