BuaNews (Tshwane)
Janine Du Plessis
28 August 2007
Cape Town — Women must be empowered to adapt to the devastating effects of climate change such as unpredictable drought patterns, floods and temperature changes, often associated with outbreaks of diseases.
Speaking at the 4th Women's Parliament in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Rejoice Mabudafhasi said the country's success at environmental management will be determined by the extent to which women are empowered in this regard.
As champions of the earth and custodians of the environment, women, said the deputy minister, are most affected by environmental problems including land degradation, climate change, biodiversity and natural resources management, waste management and pollution.
"We stand on the front line in the battle against environmental degradation because our health depends on the health of the earth and its resources. As women are the ones in closest contact with land, they are usually the first to suffer from its degradation.
"Women often bear the brunt of natural disasters such as famine or drought. The reality of the impacts of climate change on our fragile natural resources is indisputable."
Ms Mabudafhasi said the tide had to be turned for the real integration of gender dimensions in policies and programmes.
She said gains must be consolidated through initiatives such as the Expanded Publics Work Programme, which has made huge strides in empowering women in rural communities to take charge of their lives.
"Waste and pollution, especially air pollution, are major environmental health concerns facing our communities. Unfortunately it is women again who are the majority of victims of pollution and bad waste management practices," she said.
"Studies conducted in many countries have revealed that increased deaths have been found among the children of women who have been exposed to pesticides while working on the farms."
The deputy minister said there is also scientific proof that women exposed to hazardous chemicals and polluted air were found to give birth to children with delayed motor development and dramatically lower intelligence.
"It is also reported that polluted water kills more than 3 million people in the world, most of whom are women and children," said the deputy minister.
South Africa needed to show improved commitment in dealing with waste management and pollution to ensure that people enjoy their right to a safe and healthy environment as enshrined in the Constitution, Ms Mabudafhasi said.
Through social responsibility projects, her department is implementing land rehabilitation projects that employ women to reverse the impact of desertification while generating income for their families with them as immediate beneficiaries.
Member of Parliament, Janet Semple, responded to the deputy minister's speech by saying women, especially rural women had a major role to play in the environment.
"The results of dirty air and water are usually felt by the poorest of the poor, and this includes women and children," said Ms Semple.
She said women were not necessarily involved in the management of the environment and urged young women in particular to participate in ensuring the health and stability of the environment.
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