Women hit hardest by climate change: ASEAN Outlook 2024

The report said climate change is a major threat to progress on gender equality in ASEAN, one of the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the world in 2015. Increased droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures correlate with higher rates of child marriage, adolescent births, and limited access to clean water and cooking fuels. 

These factors primarily impact women and girls, further burdening their unpaid work responsibilities. Currently, only three ASEAN countries have incorporated gender-sensitive approaches into their climate plans.
 

Gender data hole

The report highlighted that while 47% of official development assistance in the region targets gender equality, increased investment is needed to gather, analyse, and utilise gender-specific data across all SDGs. 

This includes traditionally gender-neutral areas like environmental statistics. With just six years remaining to achieve the 2030 SDG Agenda, continuous investment in gender equality remains essential to ensure sustainable development and leave no one behind, the report said.

“Data impacts our decisions about how best to respond, and with better data, we can count women in," said Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Her Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa, added: "Gender equality and women empowerment are also central to the ASEAN Community Vision."

“Let me highlight three key areas where women can make a difference and contribute to a more future-ready and sustainable world: climate action and disaster response; digital transformation; and global supply chains," he stated. 

Hajah Nancy Shukri, Malaysia’s Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, emphasised: "Integrating gender perspectives into every facet of our development agenda is not only essential but urgent, as we work towards realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and shaping the Strategic Plans beyond 2025. The insights from this outlook should ignite real, transformative change across ASEAN, driving us toward a more inclusive future."
 

Food insecurity

The report recorded a tenfold decrease in ASEAN poverty over the past two decades, but said women remain more susceptible to poverty, particularly during peak childbearing years. 

Additionally, 38% of pregnant women in the region suffer from anaemia.
The report emphasises the crucial role of women in environmental decision-making. 

Yet despite an increase in women's political participation, they remain underrepresented in key environmental ministries. This highlights the need for inclusive solutions to address disease spread, build farmer resilience, reduce unpaid women's labour burdens, and ensure healthy ecosystems, the report said.