Empowering Women Through Climate Resilience
This International Women’s Day, Western recognizes women's unique and influential roles in building climate resilience in Canada and worldwide. Extreme weather events from climate change are increasingly disrupting and destabilizing communities. Often, those more vulnerable to these impacts are women, particularly in marginalized communities.
The Gendered Impacts of Climate Change
In Canada, women in rural, Indigenous, and low-income communities face heightened risks from climate change. Women are more likely to be responsible for household care and recovery during climate-related disasters, making them more vulnerable (Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, 2021). A 2024 report highlighted that women are disproportionately employed in sectors like agriculture and health services, which are highly affected by extreme weather events (Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2204).
Indigenous and Rural Community Leadership in Climate Action
In 2020, the Native Women’s Association of Canada emphasized the influential role Indigenous women are playing in leading environmental impact assessments and climate adaptation. Using traditional knowledge, women in Indigenous communities drive land preservation and locally developed solutions to mitigate adverse climate change impacts (Native Women’s Association, 2020).
In rural Canada, women are also driving climate action. Community-based, women-led initiatives, such as local food security programs and proactive resource management, are critical to building sustainable and adaptive communities (Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada, 2021).
Across Canada, women’s leadership in these efforts is helping communities survive and thrive in the face of climate challenges.
The Call for Gender-Responsive Climate Action
At Western Financial, we recognize that supporting women in climate action leadership is both a responsibility and a strategic necessity that can strengthen our organization and communities. A 2023 report showed that businesses that embrace gender-responsive climate strategies are better prepared to mitigate risks and enhance long-term sustainability (Patel et. al, 2023)
Western is committed to promoting gender equality in climate action. By supporting women-led initiatives and creating space for female leaders, we’re helping build more resilient communities and people. Empowering women to lead in climate resilience is beneficial for society and essential for a sustainable future.
As we reflect on this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to amplifying women’s leadership in climate action. Whether through Indigenous knowledge, rural innovation, or urban sustainability efforts, women are crucial to building a more equitable and resilient Canada.
Together, we can create a future where gender equality and climate resilience go hand in hand – because we care.
