Have you ever thought about how climate change could affect gender roles? 
In India, it's a real issue, and it shows just how much climate change can deepen existing gender inequalities.  
For example - In the village of Denganmal in Maharashtra, the only solution to water scarcity is polygamy. Yes, you heard that right. Men marry (several) women, also called ‘Water Wives’ or ‘Paani Bais’.  
But why? 
Understanding the Intersection of Climate and Gender 
Climate change impacts everyone, but not equally.  
Women, especially in rural areas, often bear the brunt of environmental changes due to traditional gender roles that assign them the responsibility of managing household water, food, and care.  
The intersection of climate and gender shows how environmental stressors drastically exacerbate gender inequalities, leading to unique social adaptations and hardships. 
Gendered Impacts of Climate Change 
In India, climate change has led to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. These environmental challenges impact women disproportionately because: 
Domestic Responsibilities 
Women are primarily responsible for securing water, food, and fuel, tasks that become more difficult during climate-induced shortages. Here are a few specific ways these responsibilities are impacted: 

Water Collection: In many rural areas, women and girls spend a significant portion of their day collecting water. During droughts, this task becomes even more arduous as water sources dry up, forcing them to travel longer distances. This not only reduces the time they can spend on education, income-generating activities, and rest, but also exposes them to potential dangers along the way. 


Food Security: Women often manage household food supplies, and climate change can disrupt agricultural production, leading to food shortages. In times of scarcity, women are usually the first to reduce their food intake to ensure their families have enough to eat, which can lead to malnutrition and related health problems. 


Fuel Gathering: In many rural households, women are responsible for gathering firewood or other fuels for cooking. Climate change can lead to deforestation and scarcity of these resources, increasing the time and effort required to collect them. This also heightens the risk of respiratory illnesses from prolonged exposure to smoke from burning biomass. 

Agricultural Dependence 
Many rural women rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, making them vulnerable to crop failures and economic instability caused by climate variability. Here’s how: 

Crop Failure: Climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns, making traditional farming methods less reliable. Women farmers often lack access to advanced agricultural technologies and information, making it harder for them to adapt to changing conditions and resulting in lower yields or total crop failures. 


Economic Instability: With reduced agricultural productivity, women's economic stability is threatened. As primary caregivers, women often use their income to support their families' health and education. Economic instability, therefore, affects the entire household's well-being. 


Loss of Livelihoods: Women involved in small-scale farming and livestock rearing may lose their livelihoods due to adverse climate conditions. This loss of income can push families into poverty, limiting access to essential services and increasing vulnerability to further environmental and economic shocks. 

Health Risks 
Increased workload and stress can lead to health issues, while limited access to healthcare exacerbates these problems. Specific health impacts include: 

Physical Health: The physical strain of carrying heavy loads of water and fuel, combined with long working hours in agriculture, can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and injuries. Additionally, food and water scarcity can result in malnutrition and dehydration. 


Mental Health: The stress of managing scarce resources, coupled with the anxiety of economic instability and the potential for increased domestic violence during times of stress, can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Women often have less access to mental health services, exacerbating these conditions. 


Reproductive Health: Environmental pollutants and stress can adversely affect women’s reproductive health, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Limited access to healthcare services can result in higher maternal and infant mortality rates. 


Waterborne Diseases: During floods and droughts, water quality can deteriorate, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Women and children are particularly vulnerable due to their increased exposure to contaminated water. 

 
Denganmal: A Case Study of Climate and Gender  
In Maharashtra, there's a small village called Denganmal, located about 185 kilometers from Mumbai. The village faces severe water scarcity, especially during the hot summer months when wells dry up and water sources become scarce. Women in this village have to walk for 12 hours to fetch water from the nearest dam. 
To cope with this challenge, men in Denganmal have adopted the practice of polygamy, marrying multiple women to ensure their households have enough water. Although illegal,  this practice has become a survival strategy in the village. 
Water Wives: A Desperate Solution to Water Scarcity 
In Denganmal, polygamy isn't about romance -  it's about survival. ‘Water Wives’ or ‘Paani Bais’ are responsible for fetching water, while the first wife manages the household. These women, often widows or single mothers, enter into these marriages for stability and respect in the conservative society. 
The life of a ‘Water Wife’ is extremely tough. They walk miles every day under the scorching sun, carrying heavy pots of water back to the village. They usually have no legal rights or say in household affairs, but they accept this arrangement because it provides them with shelter, food, and social acceptance. 
The situation in Denganmal highlights how climate change exacerbates gender inequality.  
Women, tasked with managing household resources, face increased physical and emotional burdens. This leads to higher workloads and stress, forcing communities to adopt extreme measures like polygamy. 
Sustainable Solutions? 
To address these challenges, it’s essential to implement sustainable water management practices and improve infrastructure in rural areas. This includes: 

Better Water Access: Developing reliable water sources closer to villages to reduce the burden on women. 


Gender-Sensitive Policies: Designing policies that account for the unique challenges faced by rural women. 


Legal and Social Support: Ensuring laws protecting women’s rights are enforced and providing support for those in vulnerable situations. 

However, the intersection of climate change and gender in India presents a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions. The story of Denganmal's ‘Water Wives’ is a stark reminder of how environmental issues can worsen gender inequalities. By addressing these challenges with targeted, gender-sensitive approaches, we can work towards a future where no woman has to sacrifice her autonomy and well-being due to climate-induced hardships. 
Understanding and addressing the intersection of climate and gender is not just a matter of policy but of justice and equity. By lifting the burden off the shoulders of women like the ‘Water Wives’ of Denganmal, we pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.  
 
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