The gender aspects of climate change on children cannot go unnoticed. Female children tend to suffer most, especially from the pos impacts of climate change than their male counterparts. In times of climatic change, girls are more likely to drop out of school to save on school fees, to assist the household with tasks such as fetching water, or as a result of pregnancy and child marriage.

In times of climate change, Girls are likely to drop out of school to assist in household activities and some are forced into marriage by their families to have resources that will sustain the family.

A 2001 study in Malawi showed that female children were married off in times of drought, usually to older men with numerous sexual partners. Some girls and women were forced to sell sex for gifts or money, which resulted in the accelerated spread of HIV and AIDS in the country.

Indigenous children and their families are particularly dependent on natural resources and ecosystems. Their understanding of the local environment provides them with important skills and knowledge that help them adapt to climate change. However, indigenous children are highly vulnerable, owing to discrimination and cultural barriers as well as their dependence on the natural environment.

Indigenous children and their families are the most impacted by climate change because they depend on natural resources for their wellbeing and  livelihood

We need to take action in solving the current climate crisis. We must raise our voices for vulnerable children. Together, we can advocate for children to be included in climate change adaptation strategies. The future of a nation and continent lies on the youth.

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