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Accepted Paper:
Paper short abstract:
Women, particularly in subsistence households, face heightened risks from climate disasters like floods and droughts. Their recovery is hindered by limited resources and social constraints. This study explores how women’s leadership in crisis response strengthens community resilience and adaptation.
Paper long abstract:
Women in the Global South, particularly those leading subsistence-level households, face heightened risks from extreme weather events like floods and droughts. Their ability to recover is limited due to economic dependence, social constraints, and lack of access to resources. Climate disasters often displace entire communities, increasing the burden on women, who are responsible for household survival, childcare, and securing livelihoods. This study examines how women contribute to community resilience and adaptation in climate crises, an area with minimal prior research.
Pakistan and India are highly climate-vulnerable, with severe weather events displacing millions. The 2022 Pakistan floods, particularly in Sindh, caused massive losses and displacement, disproportionately affecting women. Many lost access to land, faced food insecurity, and took on low-paying jobs to sustain families. Gendered power dynamics further limit women’s access to financial assistance, deepening their vulnerability.
Despite these challenges, research suggests that women’s involvement in household decision-making strengthens resilience. However, there is little exploration of how displaced women can act as community mobilisers when supported through microfinance and social programs. Some organisations provide financial aid, yet women struggle to access resources due to systemic and cultural barriers.
This study explores how women’s leadership in crisis response supports information sharing, resource mobilisation, and collective recovery. Unlike formal institutions, women are trusted community figures, leveraging social ties to aid vulnerable households. Understanding their role in climate adaptation is key to developing sustainable resilience strategies in South Asia.
Resiliently responding to the polycrisis: absorbing, adapting to and transforming crisis situations in an uncertain world
Session 2