-by Diva Bhatia, Kuviraa Ambassador, November 2024
When I joined the Kuviraa Ambassador Program, I didn’t expect one session to change the way I see the world. But the “Women and Climate” session did exactly that. It made me realize how deeply gender and climate change are intertwined: something I’d never really thought about before. It was eye opening, thought provoking and left me genuinely inspired to look at these issues in a new way. It began with a presentation by the program’s founder, Shevika, who walked us through how climate change impacts women, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
The slides weren’t just facts and figures: they painted a clear picture of lives impacted by rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns and depleting resources.
For the first time, I truly grasped how climate change isn’t just an environmental issue but a social justice one.
The short video we watched after the presentation moved me in a profound way as it showcased women from vulnerable communities facing significant hardships. Some struggled to access safe drinking water, while others adapted to the loss of livelihoods caused by extreme weather. It was clear they were strong and resilient, but it was also clear that they carried a heavy load. Earlier, climate change was something I connected to deforestation and carbon emissions, but there is quite a revelation after this session.
I came to realise that it is the women who are at the center of this problem and they are the answer for the change that is needed. The importance of empowering women as position holders, who can be active in changing the situation for the better was very well brought out.
After the session I was brimming with ideas. I knew I wanted to contribute, starting by raising awareness about the intersection of gender and climate. Whether through personal efforts or becoming a part of social media campaigns (like Women climate collective), I aim to share stories that cast light upon the vital role women play in addressing environmental challenges.
Now when I look back, the session didn’t just teach me something new; it also gave me a purpose.
Climate change is complex, but addressing it without women’s perspectives is a missed opportunity.
As I continue my journey with Kuviraa and beyond, I carry this lesson with me: change begins when we amplify the voices of those most affected.
For me, the “Women and Climate” session wasn’t just a moment of learning, it was a call to action.