Question Q20GS2GS1

Explain how traditional gender roles and responsibilities exacerbate the vulnerability of women to extreme heat conditions. Suggest strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

Main Body

Due to current global warming, number and frequency of extreme weather events has increased.

(e.g.) Urban heat island, heat waves, urban floods, etc.

Women traditionally being marginalized face (disproportionate burden) of extreme heat conditions.

Reasons:

1According to Senking Divide Report - women have to spend 90 more minutes in kitchens due to reduced efficiency due to increased temperatures.

2Dual burden - of both household and career responsibilities.

3Intersectionality of discrimination (e.g.) Feminization of poverty, feminization of equality

4Traditional gender roles (unpaid care duties - 400 minutes/day)

5Poorly ventilated kitchens in Indian households.

6Motherhood penalty and period poverty get exaggerated during increasing temperatures (Economic Survey 2023-24)

3There are 9mn people working in gig-economy - 57% of whom are women [NITI Aayog]

Disproportionate burden - outdoor work

4Intersectionality of discrimination:

(e.g.) Feminization of agriculture & feminization of equality

5Traditional gender roles:

Unpaid care activities - 400 minutes/day

6Poorly ventilated kitchens in Indian households.

7Motherhood penalty and period poverty get exaggerated during increasing temperatures (Economic Survey 2023-24)

Strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities:

1Role of family - in sensitizing children about gender equality.

2Role of media & society - in getting counter narratives & breaking traditional gender roles.

3Role of state)

Ensuring no unintended consequences of legislations (e.g.) Maternity Benefit Act

Improved spending on women education (70% literacy rate)

Healthcare (every woman is anemic)

4Role of NGOs, service etc.

(e.g.) Kudumbashree - providing alternate livelihood opportunities.

International conventions like CEDAW and Indian Constitution under A-51(A) ensure gender equality. They must be followed in order to achieve SDG-5.

273 words9 paragraphs

Uses specific data and statistics
Identifies multiple interlocking vulnerabilities
References official documents (Economic Survey)
Addresses intersectionality of discrimination
Comprehensive four-level intervention framework (family, media, state, NGOs)
Uses specific statistics and current data
References both national and international frameworks
Connects to SDG-5
Addresses implementation through existing institutions

Open original scan

Page 49

Topper

Abhishek Sharma

AIR 382024

Subject & Paper

GS2GS1

Topic

Role of Women and Women's Organization, Population and Associated Issues

Women

Gender roles and vulnerability to climate impacts

Writing Stats

273

Total words

Paragraphs

Structured solution-oriented approach

Tone