In cases of climate-related migration or displacement, women and girls are more often exposed to various risks than men, such as harassment or sexualized violence. “Climate change intensifies existing inequalities rather than acting in a neutral way,” Khatibi concludes. The Iranian researcher, who is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Graz, is familiar with the tense situation in her home country. Drought, declining soil quality, reduced agricultural yields, and food insecurity are driving increased migration into urban areas. “As a result, women in rural regions are placed in an even more vulnerable position. They are often left behind with responsibility for the household and family. At the same time, they do not have equal access to credit or the same level of decision-making power as men,” the legal scholar explains. From her own field research, Khatibi also highlights how difficult it is to speak directly with Iranian women in rural areas. “I first had to gain their trust through other women in their local community, who acted as gatekeepers and in some cases also translated local dialects,” the researcher reports.
In her dissertation, she also examines structural shortcomings in her home country that place women at a disadvantage in relation to climate security risks. One of these is underrepresentation: “There are many highly educated women, but too few opportunities for them to participate in a meaningful and sustainable way. For instance, in parliament, and at regional and local administrative levels, they remain clearly underrepresented.”
Step by step toward progress
So, what does Khatibi recommend to improve the situation? “A key starting point would be increased research in this field to raise awareness and give this issue greater visibility. Even more important, however, is the need for comprehensive reforms of the legal and political system in Iran,” the researcher concludes. All further entry points proposed by the legal scholar in her dissertation depend on these reforms: greater representation of women, expanded education at the local level, a shift in social norms, stronger legal awareness among the women’s population, and clear, practical information on how women can safeguard their rights.
How realistic are these proposals? In light of the current upheavals in her home country, Khatibi refrains from making a concrete prediction. “Those who seek to improve women’s lives and promote equal opportunities in Iran must continue working toward that goal. As a researcher, I hope to contribute to this effort through my dissertation.”