India’s future climate resilience will depend on its ability to build a public healthcare system that recognises heat as a highly gendered disaster

Women's bodies respond differently to heat stress, with hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and metabolic rates making women more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, especially pregnant women who face even greater risks. Studies in India show negative pregnancy outcomes increasing with rising temperatures, particularly in areas lacking cooling infrastructure and healthcare. Women are often seen as vulnerable to climate stress, but they are also crucial for adaptation and resilience efforts, with women-led groups and community networks already playing key roles in water management and health awareness. Integrating these networks into heat adaptation strategies can enhance community resilience and address the lack of policies addressing these issues in climate governance.

https://www.preventionweb.net/news/indias-future-climate-resilience-will-depend-its-ability-build-public-healthcare-system