IE School of Science and Technology collaborates with UNFPA on the research challenge “Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus”
IE School of Science and Technology is proud to announce a new collaborative research challenge with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN sexual and reproductive health agency. This initiative, “Climate Change XX: Women’s Health in Focus”, is part of the ongoing projects promoted by IE University in partnership with United Nations entities, supported by the transversal agreement facilitated by the Provost's Office at IE University.
This initiative aims to support young female researchers in addressing the intersection of climate change and women’s health, with a special emphasis on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender equity, and inclusion, to ultimately feed into global climate solutions. Six winning proposals, selected by UNFPA, will receive seed funding of up to USD $15,000 and a four-month contract to advance their research. Interested innovators and researchers have until July 7, 2024, to submit their solutions. Winners will present their findings in December 2024.
IE University will participate in the selection process for winning proposals, offer additional mentorship and coaching through its network of researchers and practitioners. Winning teams will also be provided with academic support, including shared access to training materials and other resources, as well as skills in management, design thinking, entrepreneurship, innovation, and analysis, to enable young innovators and researchers to develop and explore effective solutions. MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that advances social impact innovation, will provide a mentorship support programme.
A 2023 UNFPA study on countries most at risk from the climate crisis highlights how the climate crisis impacts women and girls, by driving up maternal mortality, child marriage, adolescent birth rates, and gender-based violence. The displacement that comes with climate-driven disasters plays a key role by disrupting access to healthcare and safe spaces when they are most needed. Evidence shows that climate change directly and indirectly affects maternal health, leading to conditions like anaemia, eclampsia, and low birth weight. Despite this evidence, few countries are integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights into their national climate policies.
"Without urgent action, climate change will set back the clock on gender equality."
Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director
"UNFPA is pleased to support young female researchers studying the impacts of climate on women’s health. This is important to ensure that both the priorities of women and girls are reflected in climate strategies in the most vulnerable countries and that women are better represented in climate-related decision-making," says Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director.
By bolstering research initiatives that improve access to information, commodities, and services related to women’s health, the Research Challenge seeks to complement and broaden existing research, as well as empower and increase participation of women and young people in the field.