Women, particularly those from the most vulnerable sectors—such as farmers, workers, indigenous peoples, and urban poor communities—bear a disproportionate burden during disasters and crises, which are now further intensified by the climate emergency. These challenges compound the everyday realities of poverty, limited livelihood opportunities, and inadequate access to essential social services.
Yet, amidst these intersecting vulnerabilities, women continue to rise as agents of change. Across the world, they are organizing themselves into movements and collectives that advocate for climate justice, gender equality, and sustainable, people-centered development. Their leadership and participation are critical in shaping solutions that are both inclusive and transformative.
This policy review explores the landscape of Filipino women’s empowerment in climate action, identifying the structural and institutional barriers that hinder Women Environmental Human Rights Defenders (WEHRDs) from fully realizing their potential to protect their communities and the environment. It also takes a closer look at the digital dimension of gender-based violence, examining how women EHRDs face online harassment, disinformation, and hate campaigns as a consequence of their environmental and human rights advocacies.