Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, economies, and societies. It exacerbates the causes of forced displacement, rendering millions of people stateless. In 2022, Africa experienced approximately 16.5 million internal displacements—a 17 percent rise compared to the previous year. Over half of all new reported displacements that year were caused by climate-related disasters, and nearly 60 percent of refugees and internally displaced persons resided in countries highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (Siegfried, 2023). This trend is mirrored in the West African region, where disaster-related displacements nearly tripled, reaching a record high of 7.4 million for the region (IDMC, 2023).
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that by 2050, about 216 million people could be displaced within their countries due to environmental factors such as rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather events. These statistics demonstrate a close link between climate change and human displacement. As climate-related disasters increase, they not only uproot vulnerable populations but also exacerbate existing gender inequalities. The impacts on women, girls, and gender-diverse populations are particularly severe, exposing them to heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV), limited access to education and healthcare, and economic marginalization.
The intersection of climate change, displacement, and gender is therefore a critical and urgent issue. Addressing climate change with a gender-sensitive approach is essential to ensure that all displaced individuals receive the support they need, and to build a more equitable and resilient future for all.
Despite growing recognition of the interconnectedness of climate change, gender, and forced displacement, policy responses remain fragmented and often fail to address the unique needs of affected populations. This webinar will explore the complex interplay between climate change, gender, and forced displacement, highlighting existing policy gaps and proposing actionable recommendations to mitigate the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups. It will also acknowledge the importance of power dynamics in achieving socioeconomic liberation.
The focus of this webinar will be on identifying the unequal power dynamics and socioeconomic challenges faced by climate-induced displaced populations in various countries within the West African region. The goal is to understand how power dynamics influence socioeconomic liberation, amplify the voices of climate-affected populations, and create a platform for stakeholders to explore strategies for addressing these challenges, improving conditions, and empowering displaced individuals.
This event will take place in English and French.
