Paper short abstract:

In the context of an international development programme, our contribution highlights how different aspects of poverty are exacerbated at the intersection of climate and gender inequality and provides recommendations for making climate justice programming gender transformative.

Paper long abstract:

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty which is exacerbated by climate crises. Part of the reason for this is that due to patriarchal, capitalist and (neo)colonial systems, climate policies tend to be decided and implement by men. Subsequently, women, girls and people whose gender identities and expressions fall outside the ‘norm’ - are being left out of leadership and financing opportunities that could address climate and gender inequality. Moreover, when climate justice programmes are designed by international development organisations , they risk being gender blind. Not only does this harden existing gender inequalities but it can also worsen poverty outcomes for women and girls.

This paper draws on research carried out by Christian Aid which examined the impact an international programme aimed at building climate resilience in Bangladesh and Kenya had on gendered social norms and gender transformation. It outlines how different aspects of poverty are exacerbated at this intersection of climate and gender inequality. In particular, it highlights the impact that climate crises have had on increasing women’s burden of care, precarity of their livelihood and food security, and lack of leadership opportunities. It also explores the challenges that such programmes face in adopting a gender transformative approach. Finally, the paper provides insights and recommendations for making climate justice programming gender transformative.