CLIMATE CHANGE AND FGM

The intersection between Climate Change and FGM

Climate change profoundly affects the planet, impacting nearly every aspect of human life and the natural world. While it affects the entire planet, its consequences are often more severe around the equator and in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources to respond.

Rising global temperatures fuel heat-related illnesses, wildfires, and economic disruptions. More frequent and intense storms, extreme rainfall, and flooding result from warmer oceans and increased atmospheric moisture. Droughts worsen water scarcity, reducing agricultural yields, expanding deserts, and limiting food and water access. Other concerning consequences include biodiversity loss, ocean warming, food insecurity, health risks from air pollution and disease spread, and the displacement of about 23.1 million people annually—exacerbating poverty cycles, especially in vulnerable communities.

Beyond these environmental and economic effects, climate change also intensifies existing gender inequalities. In fact, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by the consequences of climate change, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV), harmful practices, and other forms of exploitation.

While the link between climate change and gender equality is often overlooked, emerging research highlights their interconnection, including ties to GBV and harmful practices such as FGM. For example, in communities where FGM is practiced, climate-induced poverty can pressure families to marry off daughters for financial security, with FGM often seen as a prerequisite for marriage. Similarly, in water-scarce regions, the burden of water collection frequently falls on girls, exposing them to heightened risks of violence.

A working draft by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasizes that climate change exacerbates existing disparities, disproportionately affecting women and girls who already face higher poverty rates, lower education levels, and limited decision-making power. Despite growing recognition of these issues by organizations like UNICEF and UNFPA, significant research gaps remain, particularly regarding the specific impact of climate change on FGM.

Through this thematic session, we aim to:

• Explore how climate change influences trends related to FGM, including prevalence rates, the age at which the practice is performed, and the justifications behind it, etc.
• Highlight the growing presence of the impact of climate change on FGM in international debates.
• Discuss recommendations and good practices already in place.
• Identify gaps and propose actions to ensure the protection and empowerment of women and girls in the context of a changing climate.