As India endures another punishing summer, heatwaves are emerging as a public health crisis, particularly for women. While over 733 heatstroke deaths were reported across 17 states between March and June 2024 (according to Heat Watch 2024), experts believe the actual toll is much higher due to underreporting. Crucially, women face a disproportionate share of the burden, exacerbated by gendered norms, occupational exposure, and limited access to healthcare.
For women in the informal sector, or those living in under-resourced urban and rural areas, rising temperatures mean more than discomfort — they threaten survival. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable: even a 1°C rise in temperature can increase miscarriage risk by up to 42%, and heat exposure can lead to dehydration, sepsis, and dangerous gestational complications.
Beyond physical health, mental health impacts are becoming increasingly evident. A report from the Asian Development Bank links prolonged heat exposure to fatigue, depression, and rising suicide rates — disproportionately affecting women burdened with caregiving and household responsibilities.
The Arsht-Rock “Scorching Divide” report highlights how heatwaves intensify gender inequality: Indian women reportedly take on 90 extra minutes of unpaid care work daily during extreme heat events. This invisible labor — fetching water, caring for sick relatives, and managing overheated households — underscores how climate change deepens pre-existing social inequities.
Despite these realities, India’s heat action plans rarely incorporate a gender lens, leaving millions of women vulnerable. Experts call for urgent, inclusive policy interventions that address the gendered impact of rising temperatures.
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