In recent weeks, the rural women of Mozambique have faced unimaginable challenges as they confront the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Filipo and the relentless onslaught of climate-related disasters. As floodwaters inundate homes, crops are decimated, and communities reel from the dual blows of drought and deluge, it is women who bear the brunt of the crisis.
The recent deluge in Maputo and Matola has exposed the vulnerabilities of densely populated urban areas, where inadequate infrastructure and poor drainage systems exacerbate the impact of extreme weather events. Homes are submerged, roads rendered impassable, and essential services disrupted, leaving women and their families grappling with the harsh realities of displacement and destitution.
In neighbouring Malawi, the story is no different, where communities already reeling from past disasters find themselves ill-prepared to withstand the looming threat of heavy rains and potential flooding. The devastation wrought by Cyclone Fredy, one of the deadliest storms in recent memory, serves as a grim reminder of the toll exacted by climate-related disasters on vulnerable communities. Amidst the chaos and despair, governments find themselves overwhelmed, unable to meet the skyrocketing needs of their citizens. The lack of resources hampers efforts to rehabilitate vital infrastructure, leaving communities stranded and vulnerable in the face of recurrent extreme weather events.
In this hour of dire need, the call for climate financing rings loud and clear. As feminists committed to solidarity, we stand united in our resolve to confront the climate crisis and uphold the principles of justice and equity. We demand immediate and adequate support for affected communities, prioritising the needs of women and marginalised groups. We call for sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations impacted by repeated climate shocks. Furthermore, we urge the international community to address the disproportionate burden of debt accumulation on poor countries, which often find themselves forced to borrow extensively to finance reconstruction efforts. It is imperative that the global community acknowledges the unjust impact of climate change on marginalised communities and takes concrete steps to alleviate their financial burdens.
