Introduction

In Chad, climate change is a reality that is cruelly affecting the lives of the population (with 220 million people forcibly displaced over the past ten years). This is also manifested by serious environmental degradation, illustrated by the drying up of Lake Chad, increasing desertification, declining fish stocks, the disappearance of certain animal and plant species, and soil degradation. Although they are the most affected and vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, Chadian women remain an undeniable force in resilience in the face of these challenges.

Women: The First Victims of Climate Change

Women represent a large proportion of the agricultural workforce in Chad, particularly in rural areas. According to recent data, 70% of rural women, who rely primarily on agriculture for their livelihoods, are severely affected by climate hazards such as droughts and floods. Floods in 2024 affected more than 1.6 million people across the country, submerging homes and disrupting access to health services. Among the affected facilities, 353 health facilities were flooded or destroyed, compromising essential care for pregnant women and mothers. Furthermore, natural disasters exacerbate gender-based violence. In 2024, the Chadian League for Women’s Rights recorded 224 cases of violence against women, highlighting a worrying increase linked to forced displacement and instability caused by extreme weather conditions. Climate change is also exacerbating water scarcity in rural areas, increasing the distance and time required to collect this resource, a task primarily assigned to women and girls. Women, the first figures of resilience in the face of climate change.

Women: The First Figures of Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

Despite all the challenges associated with climate change, women remain a great source of hope for communities due to the important role they play in building resilience in the face of climate change. Women are increasingly adopting agroecological techniques, such as terraced farming or the use of drought-resistant seeds, to maximize production. In many regions, women are coming together to pool resources, share knowledge to strengthen their collective resilience, and combat gender-based and sexual violence. In addition to these resources, local and international initiatives targeting women provide training in climate change adaptation (water management, renewable energy, etc.).

Conclusion

Women are the most affected by climate change because they play a central role in rural communities where its impact is particularly felt. Despite the difficulties they face, Chadian women are braving climate obstacles and emerging as true figures of resilience. This resilience should be strengthened through local and national programs to foster social transformation that reduces gender inequalities, promotes education and the active participation of women in the fight against climate change.

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