Climate change deepens gender inequality and violence in South Sudan: UNFPA study highlights urgent need for action

South Sudan faces multiple climate change crises including floods, droughts, and extreme heatwaves which exacerbate sexual exploitation and gender-based vulnerabilities affecting the quality of life, putting women and girls at constant threat to lose lives especially in poor resourced or absence of infrastructures.

In South Sudan, climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it is a gender crisis which worsens the health and wellbeing of women and girls. A newly released Vulnerability Study conducted by UNFPA, in partnership with the Sudd Institute and the National Bureau of Statistics, has revealed the devastating impact of climate change on women and girls in South Sudan, particularly in Malakal, Kapoeta South, and Rubkona. The three study locations were prioritized due to their high exposure to climate-induced disasters, large, displaced populations, and pre-existing vulnerabilities that make women and girls particularly at risk. The findings were validated in a high-level workshop attended by government officials, humanitarian actors, and development partners.

The study underscores that flooding (98% in Malakal, 92% in Rubkona) and drought (affecting 68% in Kapoeta South) are driving displacement, food insecurity, and livelihood losses. Heatwaves are also an emerging threat, with school closures and severe health risks reported in early 2025. These climate stressors disproportionately affect women and girls, increasing gender-based violence (GBV), restricting access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and deepening gender inequalities.

The study also revealed that climate-induced disruptions are worsening maternal mortality (1,223 deaths per 100,000 live births), limiting contraceptive access (below 5%), and increasing child marriages. Flooded health facilities and extreme heat events have further strained healthcare access.

"Climate change is a profound humanitarian and development challenge particularly in this youngest nation.  Women and girls are bearing the brunt, facing increased GBV risks, restricted healthcare access, and heightened economic insecurity. We must act urgently." said Suzanne Mandong, UNFPA South Sudan Country Officer in Charge. 

Women and girls at risk: A Climate-Induced Crisis
The study finds that 49.9% of respondents reported an increase in GBV in climate-affected areas. Drought and economic hardships are intensifying intimate partner violence (IPV), early marriages associated with high bride price considered as a source of income to families, and survival-driven exploitation. Displacement due to floods has left many women and girls in unsafe shelters, exposing them to heightened risks such as rape

"We cannot separate climate resilience from gender justice," stated Honourable James Hoth Mai, the National Minister of Labour. "Women must be empowered to lead climate adaptation efforts, and we must integrate GBV prevention into climate policies."

In Rubkona, Tutchar aged 39, is a widow and mother of five children are among displaced people who have had to live a nomadic life due to natural disasters – floods. More than half of the displaced population are women and girls who continue to be subjected to violence especially during firewood collection, including sexual abuse, rape, and forced and child marriage.

“Most often, girls not attending school are expected and forced to marry. Child or Forced Marriage is seen as the solution to alleviate the family’s poverty, especially during flooding,” says Tutchar.

Beyond floods, extreme heat waves in South Sudan exacerbates existing educational inequalities for girls in South Sudan significantly impacting girls' education by forcing school closures, which disrupts their learning and lead to increased vulnerability to issues like early marriage, sexual exploitation and abuse and child labor, as girls are already disproportionately affected by lack of education in the country due to existing societal factors.

Call to Action: Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation
The report highlights urgent recommendations, including expanding GBV response services in displacement settings, strengthening women’s economic empowerment through financial inclusion, integrating gender-responsive climate policies into national development plans and investing in climate-resilient healthcare systems to safeguard SRH services.

"Without targeted interventions such as climate-resilient health infrastructure like mobile clinics and heat adaptive policies, climate change will continue to exacerbate gender inequalities and violence," concluded Ms. Mandong. "This report provides the evidence we need to advocate for policies that empower societies and protect women and girls in the face of climate change."

As South Sudan grapples with climate change, this study serves as a wake-up call for urgent, gender-sensitive action and improved SRH services that are crucial. UNFPA remains committed to working with partners to ensure that no one is left behind.