Gendered Impact of Climate Migration: Analyzing the Differential Effects on Women and Children Left Behind

Let us take an example first. Fatima Begum and her two kids were left behind by her husband, Sadullah, who migrated to Guwahati city from a small remote town, Bohori, in the Barpeta district of Assam, India in search of work. Their families were engaged in rice cultivation and livestock rearing business. Owing to extreme flood, they lost their agricultural land and livestock in the hands of flood. Once, her husband migrated, she went to live with her parents-in-law. She has very little say when it comes to the management of household expenditures, livestock farming and other household decisions. The money which is sent by her husband straightaway goes into the hands of her father-in-law. Although she helps her mother-in-law with household chores, she still feels that she has less freedom now as her husband is not there with her. But she is still grateful that at least her children are getting food to eat and have a roof over their heads. This is just one example of how male migration owing to local climate change can affect the women the most. As a result of global climate change, millions of people have been forced to migrate to cities or sometimes to different countries in search of better opportunities and improved living conditions. The vulnerable groups, especially women and children, are the most suffered ones, as this increases their responsibilities with respect to taking care of the children, running the household, looking after the farm, working in agricultural fields, etc. This article explains how male migration owing to local climate change has differential effects on women and children. The articles further employ a comprehensive review of existing data and case studies from climate-affected regions to analyze the consequences faced by women and children as a result of male migration. In light of these findings, the article suggests a policy alternative that emphasises the adoption of a gender-responsive strategy in all policies and strategies for reducing the effects of climate change on vulnerable groups like women and children.