Livelihoods, work, women and climate change: women’s voice in just transition

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper analyses women’s voice at the intersection of climate change, work, and industrial relations in Australia. Despite the urgency of climate change and the need for a just transition, research on women’s voice in Australia’s climate change policy is scarce. This study conducts a content analysis of 17 policy documents from 2011–2022 related to women and climate change, produced by the National Women’s Alliances. These documents include qualitative interviews with individuals and communities affected by climate change exacerbated natural disasters. The study identifies four main themes of women’s voice: family and community care (unpaid work), employment (paid work), recognition of women’s roles and resilience, and natural disaster response and recovery. Findings highlight a focus on reactive responses to natural disasters rather than proactive measures addressing gendered impacts of climate mitigation and adaptation for a just transition. The results underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of women’s voice in shaping a just transition.