the International Day Against Desertification and Drought
Droughts are among the greatest threats to sustainable development, especially in developing countries, but increasingly so in developed nations too. Forecasts estimate that by 2050 droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population.
The number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 percent since 2000 compared to the previous decades (WMO 2021). When more than 2.3 billion people already face water stress, this is a huge problem. Women hold a vital stake in the health of the land, yet they often don't have control over it.
In all parts of the world, women face significant barriers in securing land rights, limiting their ability to thrive and prosper. Many regions remain subject to discriminatory laws and practices that impede their right to inherit and access services and resources. And when land becomes degraded, and water is scarce, women are often the worst affected.
This year, the International Day Against Desertification and Drought theme, "Her land. Her rights", emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It's time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.