A recent global study by Plan International has found that climate-related disasters are significantly increasing the vulnerability of girls in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana. The study analyzed health and climate data from 52 countries over three decades and surveyed 5,000 girls and young women in five countries. It revealed that floods, droughts, cyclones, and extreme heat disrupt education and health services, with girls being the most affected.
According to the study, climate-related disasters have led to an increase in unintended pregnancies, child marriage, and violence against girls. One in 10 girls surveyed reported experiencing an unintended pregnancy following a climate-related event, while 33% noted an increase in unintended pregnancies in their communities. Additionally, one in 10 girls reported marrying before the age of 18, and 36% observed an increase in child marriage or early unions after climate-related disasters.
The study also found that climate-related disasters disrupt girls' education, a major protective factor against early marriage, unintended pregnancy, and violence. Girls whose education was disrupted were twice as likely to marry young or experience an unintended pregnancy. Prolonged drought was identified as the climate hazard most consistently associated with increased child marriage and early unions.
The research further revealed that 28% of respondents observed increased violence against women and girls after climate-related events. Moreover, 76% of girls and young women reported struggling to access at least one health service, with the figure rising to 84% among girls affected by drought.
Girls from minority communities face even greater risks, being twice as likely to struggle to access services and nearly three times as likely to report an unintended pregnancy. The study also found that 49% of girls observed increased pregnancy or childbirth-related complications, including miscarriages, in their communities following climate shocks.
Reena Ghelani, CEO of Plan International, emphasized that climate action must prioritize girls' health, education, and protection, particularly during emergencies. She called on governments and donors to keep schools open during climate shocks, dedicate climate adaptation financing to adolescent girls' health, and include essential services in emergency response packages.
The study's findings highlight the urgent need for climate action that prioritizes the well-being and protection of girls. By taking proactive measures, governments and stakeholders can mitigate the adverse effects of climate-related disasters on girls and promote a more resilient and equitable future.
Key points
- Climate-related disasters increase girls' vulnerability to child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and violence.
- Disrupted education and health services exacerbate the risks faced by girls.
- Climate action must prioritize girls' health, education, and protection to mitigate the adverse effects of climate-related disasters.
