On International Women's Day, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary stressed how climate change impacts men and women differently.

In a virtual briefing, DOST Secretary Fortunato "Boy" de la Peña said climate change impacts women more due to "gender-differentiated relative powers, roles, and responsibilities" at the household and community levels.

"Women tend to be overly burdened with household work and caring for children, the sick, and the elderly. The effects of climate change put women at increased risk of hunger, food insecurity, and violence. They also threaten women’s income, health, and their entire way of life. In times of crises, women’s and girls’ unpaid care and domestic work are likely to increase, as also seen during this pandemic," de la Peña underscored.

"Due to enduring stereotypes, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM education and in decision-making processes at all levels of climate change development planning and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management phase of prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery," he added.

The Science secretary also noted that the Philippines ranks fourth among countries most affected by extreme weather events in the 2021 long-term Global Climate Risk Index.

De la Peña cited Section 10 of the Magna Carta of Women which provides women "the right to protection and security in times of disasters, calamities, and other crisis situations especially in all phases of relief, recovery, rehabilitation, and construction efforts."

Responses to disaster situations, he added, should also include the provision of psychosocial support, livelihood support, education, psychological health, and protection during pregnancy.