Bridging the gender gap in climate finance: The overlooked contributions of rural women
The real question is whether our financial systems are prepared to recognise the value of what women are already doing.
South Africa is investing billions of rands to combat climate change, but rural women who are already adapting to its effects often go unnoticed. These women respond quickly when water runs dry, crops fail or floods destroy livelihoods. They find alternative water sources, adapt agricultural practices, secure food and fuel, and provide care.
However, South Africa's climate finance system does not fully recognize their efforts. The country mobilised an average of R188.3 billion per year for climate action in 2022 and 2023, with half coming from private capital. Yet, only 11.3% of climate finance supports adaptation efforts, while 74% is allocated to energy sectors, particularly renewable electricity generation.
Women in rural South Africa face a significant climate finance gap of R499 billion per year. They are more likely to depend on grant-based support, public investment and community financing rather than conventional commercial loans. The Climate Finance Landscape Report 2025 acknowledges that smallholders often lack collateral or credit histories, but it does not apply a gender lens or provide gender-disaggregated data.
Without dedicated funding mechanisms or specific allocations for women-led organisations and community groups, gender responsiveness in climate finance risks remaining an aspiration rather than a reality.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
