Intersecting vulnerabilities: climate justice, gender inequality, and covid-19’s impact on rural women in Egypt

This review explores the intricate interactions between climate justice, gender inequality, and the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on rural women in Egypt. By integrating findings from various literature, it offers an in-depth examination of how these intersecting issues intensify the vulnerabilities of rural women, compounding their socio-economic disadvantages and limiting their participation in climate adaptation and decision-making. The review reveals that systemic gender inequality, alongside the impacts of climate change and the pandemic, has significantly heightened rural women's marginalization, exposing critical gaps in current policies and interventions. Key areas where research and policies fall short are identified, especially in addressing context-specific needs and applying intersectional approaches. The review emphasizes the importance of education, skill development, and access to resources as central strategies for empowering rural women. It also proposes policy recommendations aimed at fostering gender-sensitive climate and pandemic responses, enhancing rural women’s economic participation, and supporting their empowerment through targeted interventions. In conclusion, the review underscores the urgency of developing inclusive and equitable policies that address the unique challenges faced by rural women in Egypt. It calls for a more nuanced understanding of the intersectional impacts of climate justice, gender inequality, and pandemics, advocating for sustained efforts to create environments that promote resilience, equality, and sustainable development for rural women.