Extreme Droughts Linked to Rising Sexual Violence Across Developing Countries

New Delhi: A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has revealed a disturbing connection between extreme droughts and increased sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The research highlights how climate change can indirectly worsen existing social vulnerabilities, especially for young females in resource-limited settings.

Conducted by an international team of researchers from Australia, France, Indonesia, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, and the United States, the study analyzed data from multiple countries to explore how severe droughts influence the safety and well-being of girls and women.

The findings show that during periods of extreme drought, rates of sexual violence tend to rise. While drought itself does not directly cause violence, it creates high-risk situations. For example, during water shortages, girls and women may need to walk longer distances to fetch water—often through unsafe areas—putting them at greater risk of assault. In other cases, families facing economic stress may be forced to make harmful decisions, such as early marriages or transactional relationships, to cope with the crisis.

“These environmental shocks don’t just affect agriculture or water supply—they deeply impact human lives, especially among those already facing social inequalities,” said one of the study's lead researchers.

The study was supported by the Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Network and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The funders had no role in the study’s design or publication.

Researchers emphasize the urgent need for climate response strategies to include protections for girls and women. Addressing gender-based violence must be a central part of policies aimed at building resilience in the face of climate change. Strengthening community safety programs, improving access to clean water, and investing in education and economic opportunities for girls are essential steps. Only through inclusive and gender-sensitive climate action can we ensure that progress on human rights is not reversed by environmental crises.