As climate change drives more frequent and intense extreme weather events (EWE) (1), its impact on human health is evident, from higher rates of illness to increased mortality and disrupted access to healthcare services (2). However, even though it has been concluded in numerous studies worldwide, there is another, often-overlooked consequence of EWEs: a significant rise in gender-based violence (GBV) (1,3,4).
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The Western Pacific’s Vulnerability
Between 1980 and 2014, the number of people in the Western Pacific that experienced EWEs increased by 15-fold (2). This makes the region one of the most vulnerable in the world to climate change. At the same time, Pacific island states such as Kiribati and Fiji report some of the world´s highest rates of GBV, nearly double the global average (5).
Figure 1: Prevalence (%) and Patterns of Violence against Women (15-49) in Pacific Island Countries (Source: https://www.uncclearn.org/wp-content/uploads/library/unwomen701.pdf)
Bringing these two trends together, studies show a clear trend: after EWEs, rates of violence against women spike even more. For instance, following the 2007 Gizo tsunami in the Solomon Islands, reports of violence against women jumped as thousands of people were displaced. Similarly, in 2011, two tropical cyclones hit Vanuatu, and domestic violence cases increased by 300 percent (2). This association between EWEs and GBV is unfortunately not unique to this region; it reflects a global pattern. So why does this happen?
What Drives the Increase in Violence?
To unravel the cause of GBV, we have to look at social structures where power imbalances and cultural norms enable discrimination and violence that primarily affect women (6). In the Western Pacific, for example, women already face considerable challenges, with surveys indicating a high baseline prevalence of GBV between 60 to 80 percent (2) (also see Figure 1). However, low reporting rates hide the full scale of the issue. Rather than being the root cause, EWEs exacerbate pre-existing stressors, intensifying social tensions and creating additional barriers for women seeking help (1,2,7).
For instance, after EWEs, displaced communities often temporarily rely on overcrowded shelters that lack safety and privacy, exposing women to unfamiliar individuals and inadequate security. This heightened risk is evident in cases like the 2007 Gizo tsunami, where crowded shelters became hotspots for GBV (2). At the same time, overwhelmed public services, including law enforcement and healthcare, operate with strained resources and limited capacity, leaving victims with few options for support (1,2). Access to emergency shelters, counselling, and healthcare becomes even more restricted, with women often lacking basic transportation to seek help, further isolating them (1,3).
Beyond physical safety, economic strain after disasters also exacerbates GBV risks. Climate-related disasters destroy homes, disrupt livelihoods, and plunge families into poverty, leaving women with fewer options for secure shelter and increasing dependence on abusive partners or relatives (2). This creates an environment where victims have limited options and are more susceptible to violence (7). In summary, the combined effects of displacement, overcrowded shelters, strained law enforcement, economic hardship, and inadequate healthcare significantly increase the vulnerability of women and girls while diminishing their capacity to cope and recover(1).
Health and Social Consequences of GBV
As already touched upon, the impact of GBV reaches far beyond immediate physical harm of the people abused, as it also affects society as a whole (1,2). Survivors face a range of long-term health issues, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, fertility complications, and mental health disorders. If this is not enough yet, the repercussions of GBV are pervasive, affecting children, families, and social cohesion. Children born as a result of sexual violence or who witness violence in their homes often experience their own social and health challenges (1,3).
Lastly, the issue of GBV during and after EWEs is not just a public health problem; it’s also a violation of human rights and a barrier to sustainable development. Policymakers should address the intersection of climate impacts and gender inequality as this is essential to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 3, 5 and 13 (1,3). In fact, achieving gender equality is “an accelerator of [the] UN 2030 Agenda implementation” (3).
A Call for Action
As climate change continues to drive extreme weather events, it is clear that GBV in the Western Pacific – and beyond – is a growing concern. For too long, GBV has been sidelined as a “secondary” issue, viewed in isolation from its root causes and amplifiers. However, evidence shows that the risks are amplified in the face of climate disasters, making it crucial to address GBV as a core part of emergency response and climate resilience (1).
Recognizing the link between EWEs and GBV offers a pathway to more effective and compassionate disaster response. It’s not only about protecting vulnerable individuals in times of crisis; it’s about building communities that are resilient, equitable, and capable of withstanding the social pressures that climate change will continue to impose. Tackling GBV in this context demands comprehensive action that bridges social justice and climate adaptation, creating a safer and more just future for all (7).
References
1. Daalen KR van, Kallesøe SS, Davey F, Dada S, Jung L, Singh L, et al. Extreme events and gender-based violence: a mixed-methods systematic review. Lancet Planet Health. 2022 Jun 1;6(6):e504–23.
2. UN Women Fiji. UN Women – Asia-Pacific. 2014 [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Climate change disasters and gender based violence in the Pacific. Available from: https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2015/1/climate-change-disasters-and-gender-based-violence-in-the-pacific
3. Caridade SMM, Vidal DG, Dinis MAP. Climate Change and Gender-Based Violence: Outcomes, Challenges and Future Perspectives. In: Leal Filho W, Vidal DG, Dinis MAP, Dias RC, editors. Sustainable Policies and Practices in Energy, Environment and Health Research: Addressing Cross-cutting Issues [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2022 [cited 2023 Oct 16]. p. 167–76. (World Sustainability Series). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86304-3_10
4. Rezwana N, Pain R. Gender-based violence before, during, and after cyclones: slow violence and layered disasters. Disasters. 2021;45(4):741–61.
5. WHO. Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Oct 20]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240022256
6. WHO. Violence against women [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
7. Thomas E, Candolfi ML. OpenGlobalRights. 2019 [cited 2023 Oct 16]. Is climate change worsening gender-based violence in the Pacific Islands? Available from: https://www.openglobalrights.org/climate-change-worsening-gender-based-violence-in-pacific-islands/
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