Storms of Inequality: The Impact of Climate Change on Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Due to climate change, socio-cultural factors and reduced support, there has been an increase in GBV toward women in Pakistan and France. This study aims to explore how these vulnerabilities affect women and the reactions to GBV that take place during climate-related disasters in both nations. This research relies on case studies, reports and existing materials to uncover the ties between climate change and GBV, as well as the social and legal reasons behind women’s vulnerability. According to the findings, the combination of weak laws, cultural attitudes and economic factors together with frequent climate disasters increases the risks women confront in Pakistan. In France, although there are strong laws, low-income, immigrant and rural women still face more risk of GBV when there are climate-induced disasters. It was found that Pakistan lacks gender-friendly policies on climate and has poor enforcement of its laws, while France must provide better access to GBV services for those most at risk. The study suggests that gender-focused climate strategies are necessary and encourages building sturdier legal structures, better support for dealing with emergencies and more help for women who experience GBV in climate-related disasters.