Four women and the fight against climate change
5 June 2008
As obvious as it sounds, climate change affects everybody. That means women, men, children - and all those polar bears you've seen on the TV. We're all in this together.
But climate change is already having a disproportionate impact on people in developing countries, and it's hitting women hardest.
Poor people rely more on natural resources, are more vulnerable to disaster and have fewer ways to protect themselves. And because women tend to do the jobs that are most affected by changes in weather, they are feeling the greatest pressure.
Climate change is exasperating existing inequalities - pushing the gap between men and women even wider.
It's not the easiest idea to understand, so to help explain the issue yesterday Oxfam launched four short films about women and the fight against climate change.
We've called the films Sisters on the Planet, and they were published to coincide with World Environment Day, which took place around the world yesterday.
The films bring together the stories of Martina, Muriel, Sahena and Melissa - from Uganda, Brazil, Bangladesh and the UK respectively. Though each is experiencing climate change in a different way, and though they all come from seperate continents, they all believe that climate change is a problem that must not be ignored.
Spare a few minutes to watch the films - really sit back, get comfortable and take the stories in.
We're confident you'll be moved. That you'll become aware of the impact our changing climate is having on people's lives. And that you'll be inspired to join the fight against climate change too.
Martina Longom (foreground) joins women from Caicaoan village, Uganda, collecting water from the traditional water hole. Credit: Geoff Sayer/Oxfam
Comments
PM. Gordon Brown can use his goodwill while in office to influence other world leaders to tackle climate change.
Oxfam continues to do a great service to our world that is be torn apart by inequality, insecurity and insensitivity.
Women Will Change Climate
BARBARA ATUKUNDA | July 2, 2008 5:18 PM
when did lies turn into spin we seem to be hurtling towards oblivion
ENOUGH MR BROWN as a mother and grandmother i beg you to be able to look back at your time in office with pride not remorse people matter children matter your children my children all the children of this beautiful world you are in danger of becoming a missed opportunity
wendy wilson | June 18, 2008 8:38 PM
Lot of Thanks to Oxfam. Diesel from food increase the food crisis. but some blind people can not understand it. they want to say it is environment friend but its not environment friend.
Prodip kumar roy | June 14, 2008 7:56 AM
What a contrast these women still smile and try to do their bit and in Britain we are told some families throw away ?650 worth of food yearly.
Thank you Oxfam.
Lizzie Biolik | June 13, 2008 11:47 AM
Poverty is political
Caused by capitalism
There is enough food in the world.
Politicians do not want to address the problem.
R H Redford | June 10, 2008 3:44 PM
God bless you Oxfam! You have helped ameliorate the lives of so many people! Thank you.
zenab (Oxfam-Pontypridd) | June 10, 2008 3:00 PM
Action speaks louder than words.we've often heard our politicians and leaders talk of the need to empower women(particularly rural disavantaged) in various ways but not enough is being done to practically do it even by the women leaders and politcians themselves,well not all can be taken collectively a few exceptions.
NOEL OPENDA | June 7, 2008 12:46 PM