Paper Short Abstract:

Climate change is a socio-cultural issue disproportionately impacting women due to gendered roles, resource gaps, and limited decision-making power. This study highlights the need for gender-sensitive policies to ensure equitable resources, foster resilience, and build inclusive, sustainable solutio

Paper Abstract:

Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a socio-cultural phenomenon that disproportionately impacts people based on their social position, age, gender, disability, and location. Among these factors, gender plays a significant role in determining vulnerability and resilience to climate impacts. Existing gender gaps are reinforced by societal norms and structures, influencing the division of labor, access to resources, and adaptive capacities. Women and men often experience the effects of climate change differently due to entrenched gender roles, which dictate responsibilities in households, agriculture, and natural resource management. These roles often leave women with fewer assets, limited access to financial and technical resources, and reduced decision-making power. Additionally, gendered living choices and occupational segregation exacerbate the inequalities, making women disproportionately vulnerable during climate-induced crises, such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity.

Despite these realities, gender dynamics are often overlooked in climate policy and adaptation planning. Inclusive climate policies must recognize and address these disparities by integrating gender-sensitive approaches. This includes ensuring equitable access to resources, supporting women’s leadership in decision-making, and transforming discriminatory social norms. By adopting gender-responsive strategies, policymakers can enhance the effectiveness and equity of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, fostering resilience among vulnerable populations. Recognizing climate change as a gendered socio-cultural issue is crucial for building sustainable and inclusive solutions that leave no one behind