Sri Lanka, akin to numerous island nations, grapples with the ongoing devastation caused by climate change. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have left the nation’s farmers, particularly women, struggling to cope with crop failures and economic losses, according to a report by Reuters.
The feature sheds light on the plight of female Sri Lankan farmers like Renuka Karunarathna, who has faced years of meager rainfall and severe droughts resulting in failed harvests and extreme poverty for her family. Unfortunately, for many women in the country, the economic hardships have led to an alarming increase in domestic violence perpetrated by frustrated family members, as highlighted in the Reuters report.
The connection between climate change and domestic violence is underscored by studies, pointing out that when essential resources like food and water become scarce, tensions within families escalate. Men, burdened by the traditional role of breadwinners, may resort to violence as a means to express their frustrations. This is further exacerbated by societal norms that normalize violence against women in some countries.
Although detailed data on the direct link between climate change and domestic violence is limited, Sri Lanka’s 2023 national policy on climate change paints a grim picture, indicating a 22-fold increase in climate-induced hazards compared to 1973-1983. The 2019 Women’s Wellbeing Survey in the nation found that nearly 40% of Sri Lankan women have experienced various forms of abuse from their partners.
While a third of Sri Lankan farmers are women, floods, droughts, deforestation, and dwindling water sources have disrupted traditional farming practices, rendering even these “self-sufficient” women more reliant on their husbands. This increased dependence makes them more susceptible to frustrations and violence from their partners.
The report outlines that many women are denied permission to visit their families and are subjected to physical abuse if they attempt to leave. The erosion of these women’s independence, coupled with social stigma, often prevents them from reporting domestic violence. Combating climate change and its impact on women necessitates a comprehensive approach, addressing root causes such as economic hardship and societal norms. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture and empowering women through income generation and education are essential steps toward creating a safer and more equitable future. Source: The Weather Channel
