Babylon University College of Medicine Holds Seminar on the Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Iraqi Women
Under the patronage of the President of the University of Babylon, Professor Dr. Amin Ajeel Al-Yasiri, and under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Medicine, Professor Dr. Muhannad Abbas Al-Shallal, the Women’s Affairs Unit, in cooperation with the Continuing Education Unit, held an awareness seminar titled: “The Consequences and Effects of Climate Change on the Health of Iraqi Women.”
The seminar was delivered by Dr. Sabreen Saleem, liaison of the Women’s Affairs Unit, who discussed the effects of climate change on humans, emphasizing that the impact varies between genders. Women are often more affected by climate change on a local level. For example, women in the marshlands are among the most vulnerable to climate changes.
She explained that women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable situations, are more severely impacted by climate change. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are especially at risk of food insecurity caused by climate-related disruptions, which in turn lead to forced displacement and migration. Women often have to leave refugee camps to secure food and water, exposing them to greater danger. According to the Malala Fund, climate change also negatively affects girls’ access to education.
She added that climate change has significantly harmed sectors such as agriculture and industry, especially in southern Iraq and the marshlands. These areas have witnessed the death of fish, birds, and buffalo, resulting in many families being displaced after losing their economic resources.
In conclusion, the seminar presented several recommendations, including: enacting legal frameworks to support women; increasing awareness of climate risks; promoting eco-tourism; providing job opportunities for both women and men; enhancing gender equality; involving women in environmental decision-making; and strengthening the connection between humanitarian, developmental, environmental, and climate approaches. Lastly, the seminar emphasized the importance of supporting marshland communities to enable them to cope with the effects of climate change