Female leadership and challenges in climate change communication in Cusco

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the leadership and narratives of women communicators on climate change in the Cusco region of Peru. Using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, in depth interviews, life histories, and a focus group with members of the Cusco Environmental Communicators Network were employed. The results reveal that women's leadership emerges as a resilient response to a male-dominated media environment, consolidating itself through specialized training and collective action. It was identified that these communicators prioritize narratives of climate adaptation and social commitment, giving voice to affected communities in contrast to fatalistic approaches. However, their work is limited by economic barriers, the burden of domestic work, and discrimination such as sexism, ageism, and racism, linked to Andean identity. The most relevant conclusion is that women's leadership within the network not only democratizes environmental information but also constitutes an act of resistance and activism that transforms the unpaid gender niche into a space of political and social influence fundamental to the resilience of the Andean region.