Alumni Spotlight: Addressing the Gendered Impacts of Extreme Heat
At GRÓ GEST, one of the most meaningful indicators of impact is seeing our alumni contribute to global conversations on gender equality and sustainable development. We are proud to highlight a recent publication by a 2022 GEST fellow, Aarti Lila Ram, whose article has been featured by the World Economic Forum, reaching policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders around the world.
In the piece, Aarti explores how extreme heat, which is intensifying due to climate change, is experienced unevenly, particularly by women across South Asia. The article highlights how gender inequality shapes vulnerability to climate risks, influencing who is most exposed, who has access to protection, and who is ultimately left behind. The article outlines practical steps for making heat action plans more responsive to the realities women face, including ensuring that early warning systems reach women, investing in accessible cooling spaces, and protecting livelihoods in the face of rising temperatures.
This publication is a strong example of how GEST alumni are contributing to global policy discussions and advancing more inclusive approaches in climate action as well as other sectors. It also reflects a core message of the programme: that gender equality is deeply connected to broader challenges such as climate change, public health, and economic resilience.
We warmly encourage our readers to take a few minutes to read the full article and engage with its insights:
By continuing to share and amplify the work of our alumni, we hope to strengthen a growing global community working to advance gender equality in policy and practice.