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The impact of extreme heat on women isn't merely about discomfort - it is physiological, economic, and deeply personal. According to Kathy Baughman McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of Climate Resilience for All, biology itself places women at greater risk.
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Extreme heat does not affect all Ghanaians equally. Women - especially those who work outdoors, care for families, or live in poverty - are disproportionately exposed and less protected. Their labor is invisible, their suffering normalized.
"We must view heat stress as a gendered health crisis," said Prempeh. "The public sees women in markets but rarely thinks about what that exposure does to their organs, their fertility, or their future."
Beyond markets, women working as farmers, cleaners, food vendors, and teachers are increasingly reporting chronic fatigue, heatstroke, and productivity loss. Yet policies remain gender-neutral - blind to the fact that equal isn't always equitable
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As rising temperatures scorch the West African nation of Ghana, the heat is on to act. Women, often the most vulnerable to the climate crisis, bear the brunt of droughts, floods, and storms. To shield them and future generations from the worst impacts of climate change, Ghana must adopt policies that prioritize their needs and perspectives. Integrating climate change mitigation, public health protection, and social equity will forge a resilient, equitable, and thriving future. The time for collective action is now - Ghana's women, and its very future, depend on it.
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