Abstract
This study looks at the women in Komati in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and how they are impacted by climate change and the reduction of coal mining in the area. By using a feminist lens in the scope of a “Just Transition,” this study seeks to address the question of women’s disadvantage in the context of climate problems and economic change. The research helps show women’s experiences in a coal import dependent community that is undergoing transition and how these experiences contribute to gender inequalities and unmet demands of a transition economy.
This study ultimately proposes that a Just Transition framework tailored to Komati’s unique socio-economic landscape should actively empower women, ensuring that they participate fully and meaningfully in shaping sustainable solutions. By addressing the specific challenges faced by women—including the increased demands on their time, skills mismatches, and heightened economic precarity—a more inclusive transition process can emerge. Such a process not only mitigates the adverse effects of climate change and economic restructuring on women but also fosters an environment where women’s agency is strengthened, enabling them to drive positive change in their communities. Furthermore, the research underscores the need for robust mental health and social support systems, recognizing that economic and environmental stresses have profound psychological effects, particularly on women who often serve as primary caregivers. By developing accessible and community-based mental health services, Komati can better support its residents through the economic transition.
In advancing a feminist Just Transition, this study adds depth to the climate justice dialogue by showing how centring women’s voices and experiences contributes to both social equity and environmental sustainability. It calls for systemic policy shifts that promote gender equity in green job training, secure women’s access to resources, and involve women in policy design and implementation. This gender-responsive approach to transition not only addresses women’s immediate needs but also fosters long-term resilience, preparing Komati’s women—and the broader community—for the sustainable economy of the future.
4 | P a g e
The research demonstrates that a Just Transition for Komati must be holistic, integrating gender-sensitive policies, mental health interventions, and economic diversification strategies to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable community. By learning from the lived experiences of women, this study offers insights for policymakers and stakeholders to design transitions that honour social justice, amplifying the voices of those most impacted and ensuring they are agents of change in creating a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.