Warming climate can put women at greater risk of violence
Unusually warm periods may be linked to an increased risk of intimate partner violence against women, according to a new IIASA-led study covering 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings highlight how rising temperatures may compound existing risks of violence, with effects varying among demographic groups.
A new study led by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) finds that unusually warm periods may heighten the risk of intimate partner violence against women in sub-Saharan Africa. The research, published in the journal Global Environmental Change, examined data from 61 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2024.
The findings reveal that warm conditions increase the risk of emotional and physical violence, particularly among rural women and those with less education. However, no clear association was identified for sexual violence. While climate change acts as a risk multiplier, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, education and socioeconomic development can mitigate the prevalence of violence.
The study projects that, under scenarios with stronger development and expanding education, the share of women affected is expected to decline. Nevertheless, the absolute number of women affected is likely to rise due to population growth, emphasizing the importance of continued investments in women's education, economic opportunities, and empowerment.
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