Hillary Clinton emphasises Gender Responsive Climate Policies for Indian Women

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Hillary Clinton, a former US secretary of state, emphasized the urgent need for gender-responsive climate policies and the difficulties faced by Indian women in particular.

‘Empowering Communities: Women at the Heart of Climate Resilience’ at Global Climate Talks COP28 was organized on Sunday where the Secretary of State mentioned increasing temperature which is primarily caused by climate change. It is an intense and rapidly approaching danger to human health, livelihoods, and the social fabric, with women bearing a disproportionate amount of harm. She emphasized the urgent need for gender-responsive climate policies, focusing especially on the obstacles that Indian women face. Thus, it is imperative to consider that one of the most dangerous effects of climate change, particularly for India, is extreme heat.

Hillary continues that she shares an extensive connection to the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India where she highlighted the severe effects of extreme heat on women in the informal sectors. She also highlighted the significant role of women in the Indian informal sector that is engaging in labor-intensive occupations.

Former Democratic Party presidential nominee criticizes women's rights and opportunities, citing Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent statement emphasizing marriage and childbearing.

Hillary expressed concern over legislative changes that force women to leave the workforce and stay at home which is pushing them back from the economy.

SEWA Director Reema Nanavaty supported Hillary's statements and discussed legislative changes diminishing women's roles causing them to step back from the economy and eroding their rights, particularly in labor-intensive occupations like street vending and construction.