Gender Equality and Climate Change

Abstract

This study examined gender equality and the International Maritime Organization (IMO’s) impact in consideration to Mauritius climate justice. Women are directly, severely and inversely affected by climate change yet they are typically overlooked, sidelined and neglected. Women are intensely affected by climate change based on its impacts on agriculture, natural disasters, and climate change induced migrations because of social roles, discriminations and poverty. They are not only victims but also powerful agents and actors of change, and possess specific knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, but they are largely under-represented in climate justice progressions. In spite of the gender disparity recognized internationally and attempts to solve it, the IMO regulators in Mauritius oil spill intervention do not seem to have captured it. Thus, this research analyzed the IMO’s impact in the Mauritius environmental pollution saga. The study was anchored on a human rights theoretical framework which was considered significant and apposite. This research adopted the qualitative, descriptive research design as the most appropriate to effectively carry out this study. Thus, since it was explorative and majorly qualitative in nature, data was obtained from secondary sources, predominantly, from relevant journal articles and e-resources from the internet. Data were content analyzed. Studies revealed that there is an institutional discrimination as well as poor governance structure as implemented by the IMO that is preventing greater climate justice and women’s representation in Mauritius. This paper therefore concluded that at the current rate, women would have to wait even longer than hundred years in the domain of marine science in order to have an equal access and proper representation. This means that there is the need to do a lot under Mauritius legal and social framework to effect a positive and unchallengeable climate justice that also promotes equal participation. Finally, the study recommended that there should be an enhanced cooperation inclusive of both men and women. In addition, human rights principles of equity and fairness must be adhered to so as to ensure adequate climate justice funding and research into adaptation measures to help the poorest countries and those persons, groups and peoples most at risk, especially the less privileged. Imperatively, IMO representatives and regulators must wake up and do right by the people of Mauritius.