About the competition
We are inviting young people from ASEAN countries aged between 14 and 17 years old to participate in this competition which aims to provide a platform for them to share their ideas on the impacts of climate change and gender inequality.
To participate in this competition, students need to submit an infographic poster illustrating their version of the connections between climate change and girls’ education in an engaging and creative style which also conveys clear messages to the audience.
How are climate change and girls’ education connected?
- Climate change is real. People around the world has been increasingly aware of its impacts. Scientific evidence shows rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, extreme weather events such as severe floods, out-of-season droughts, heatwaves are increasing. They have been proven to huge effects on many peoples’ lives .
- Studies also show that the negative impacts of climate change are not equally distributed. Climate vulnerability is closely connected to poverty and gender inequalities. For example, in a Cambodian community affected by drought, girls may have to walk further to collect water for cooking, cleaning and drinking which will have a direct impact on time available for education. In Viet Nam if heavy rainfall ruins crops the family may struggle to feed the whole family, so might accelerate marriage plans for their daughter to relieve the burden of an extra person to feed in the household. For families displaced by climate emergencies girls are often exposed to harassment in temporary housing or refugee settings. These impacts restrict girls access to school, reduce their opportunities to be educated and continue to widen gender inequalities.
- However, the positive connection between climate change and girls’ education is that it has great potential to equip girls with skills, knowledge and critical thinking to be able to engage with appropriate responses and solutions to climate change. Education is key to building resilient communities who are able to adapt to the impacts of climate crises. When women and girls have access to education and resources they can become powerful leaders in calling for action on climate change.
- Climate change education that builds awareness of climate vulnerability and the role of gender inequality is a way to empower young people with appropriate skills to take action to fight for climate justice. Irrespective of our own gender, we all have a part to play in challenging gender inequalities and promoting climate justice.
- Useful links about Climate Change and Girls’ Education:
- Malala Fund’s report (2021), A greener, fairer future: Why leaders need to invest in climate and girls' education
- Plan International’s Initiatives on Effects of climate change on girls’ right
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s action plan (2021-26) on girls’ education, Every girl goes to school, stays safe, an learns: Five years of global action
- Publication on Institute of Development Studies (2021), title Education, Girls’ Education and Climate Change