The Gendered Impacts of Climate Change in Rakhine State, Myanmar

Abstract

The westernmost part of Myanmar, known as Rakhine State, is confronted with a number of difficulties, such as recurrent disasters, continuous internal conflicts, and severe socioeconomic inequality. Rakhine State, which is split into the Northern, Central, and Southern parts, is known for its ethnic and religious conflicts, which worsen the state's susceptibility to climate change. The COVID-19 epidemic and the military coup in 2021 have made the region's 80% poverty rate even worse, making it difficult for the area to take advantage of its abundant natural resources. Degradation of the environment, such as the notable disappearance of mangrove forests, makes the state even more vulnerable to disastrous weather events including floods, cyclones, and sea level rise. Due to social marginalization and conflict, women are already marginalized; these climate-related effects disproportionately affect them and excluded from decision making and policy fromulation. With an emphasis on gender-specific vulnerabilities, this paper examines the complex effects of climate change on Rakhine State and offers policy solutions to strengthen women’s participation in policy making process and formulaiton.