Voices: Women don’t just feel the heat more – they carry more of the burden (opens original article in a new tab)

Women experience heat more intensely due to biological factors and face greater caregiving responsibilities during heatwaves, exacerbating existing gender inequalities.

• Women experience heat more acutely due to hormonal and physiological factors such as oestrogen, progesterone, smaller body size, and less efficient blood circulation.
• Women bear a disproportionate share of childcare responsibilities during heatwaves, often leading to absence from work and additional burdens.
• Gender disparities in the workforce, including the pay gap and underrepresentation in senior positions, contribute to women's increased vulnerability during crises.