2024 was India’s hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 25.75°C. This was 0.65°C higher than the long-term average of 1991–2020.

Rising temperatures have a disproportionate impact on urban poor women, making them more vulnerable to both direct and indirect health risks. In overcrowded and poorly ventilated urban slums, extreme heat exacerbates heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and respiratory diseases, particularly among women who often spend long hours indoors cooking over stoves that generate additional heat. Water shortages caused by climate change also force women to travel longer distances to fetch water, increasing their risk of exhaustion, heat stress, and even gender-based violence. Additionally, urban poor women, who are often engaged in informal or outdoor labor such as street vending, domestic work, or construction, face higher exposure to heat stress without access to proper cooling, shade, or healthcare. Rising temperatures also worsen food insecurity, as increased food spoilage and declining agricultural productivity make nutritious food less affordable for low-income households, directly affecting women responsible for household nutrition.

The increased prevalence of heat-related illnesses adds another layer of burden on urban poor women, who are primary caregivers in their families. With limited access to healthcare and sanitation, they must care for sick children and elderly family members while also managing household responsibilities, increasing their workload and mental stress. Pregnant women face even greater risks, as heat exposure and malnutrition raise the likelihood of complications such as preterm birth and maternal mortality. Without financial resources or social safety nets, urban poor women struggle to afford medical treatment, making them more vulnerable to long-term health consequences of climate-related illnesses. Addressing these issues requires targeted policies that provide heat-resistant housing, access to clean water, improved healthcare, and economic opportunities for women to adapt to the growing challenges of climate change.

Mitigating the impact of rising temperatures on urban poor women requires gender-responsive climate adaptation strategies that improve access to healthcare, safe housing, water, and economic opportunities. Governments and organizations must invest in heat-resilient housing, better urban planning, and affordable cooling solutions like community cooling centers and shaded public spaces. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure in informal settlements, providing clean water, and improving sanitation can reduce the spread of climate-related diseases. Additionally, women-led initiatives should be supported to enhance community awareness and disaster preparedness, ensuring women have the skills and resources to adapt to climate challenges.

Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) has been addressing these issues by empowering urban poor women to build climate resilience. MHT works on climate-adaptive housing solutions by promoting heat-resistant roofing, improved ventilation, and energy-efficient cooling techniques. The organization also enhances women’s access to safe water and sanitation, reducing their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses. Through community-led initiatives, MHT educates women on disaster preparedness, sustainable livelihoods, and financial independence, enabling them to advocate for climate policies that address their unique needs. Women supported by MHT, particularly through Community Action Groups (CAGs), are actively engaged in early warning systems for heatwaves, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive timely alerts and can take necessary precautions. By leading awareness campaigns and working with local governments, these women play a critical role in shaping urban climate resilience strategies.

Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) has introduced parametric heat insurance as a financial safety net for urban poor communities vulnerable to extreme heat. This insurance helps low-income women and workers cope with income losses and health risks caused by rising temperatures and heatwaves. By offering financial compensation and support for medical expenses, MHT’s heat insurance enhances climate resilience and provides a much-needed economic buffer against the increasing threats of climate change.