Effective Climate Solutions Must Look Through the Lens of Gender. Here’s Why.

Climate change affects everyone but not equally. The gender of individuals which often dictates their roles in society plays a big role in how they are being affected by climate change, but many times climate change responses do not consider the varying/unique impact of climate change when building solutions. Women, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are disproportionately affected by climate change, facing unique vulnerabilities related to resource access, economic inequality, and social roles. Yet, these same women are also crucial agents of change, offering innovative solutions and driving community resilience.

Incorporating a gender lens into climate action is not simply a matter of social justice; it is essential for creating comprehensive, effective climate solutions. Addressing gender disparities can unlock greater resilience, increase the efficacy of climate policies, and drive more inclusive development outcomes. Climate Change action requires 100% of the population and should affect 100% of the population substantially and equally. This article explores why climate solutions must look through the lens of gender and how doing so can shape a more equitable and sustainable future.

Climate change worsens existing social structural inequalities, and gender is at the forefront of this dynamic. UN Women reports that women are disproportionately affected by poverty, with over 10% of women worldwide trapped in extreme poverty. As a result, poverty increases their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. When disasters strike—whether in the form of droughts, floods, or storms—women are more likely to suffer economic loss, displacement, and even mortality. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, for instance, three women died for every man who died, and in the village of Pachaankup, India, only women lost their lives. This was largely due to social roles that limited their mobility and access to timely warnings.

Economic inequalities further exacerbate women’s vulnerability. Women often rely on subsistence agriculture, and changes in rainfall patterns or crop yields have devastating effects on their livelihoods. In Africa, where women make up more than 60-80% of the agricultural workforce, climate-induced crop failures directly undermine food security and household well-being. The European Investment Bank’s report on gender and economic empowerment highlights that climate impacts on sectors like agriculture disproportionately affect women, particularly in rural areas, deepening the cycle of poverty.

However, this narrative of vulnerability tells only part of the story. Women are not merely passive victims of climate change; they are also powerful actors in crafting solutions. Across the globe, women have been at the forefront of grassroots movements advocating for environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Women play an indispensable role in advancing climate resilience by leveraging their unique social positions, knowledge, and influence. Recognizing and supporting these contributions in climate adaptation strategies can enhance the effectiveness of policies aimed at building sustainable communities.

• Resource Management in Communities
  In many developing regions, women are the primary stewards of essential resources, such as water and fuel, which positions them uniquely to manage these resources under shifting climate conditions. For example, in Ethiopia, women-led initiatives in natural resource management, including rainwater harvesting systems and the protection of local water springs, have been crucial in conserving water amid increasing droughts. Building community-based water solutions enables women to enhance access to essential resources and support broader efforts in environmental sustainability and resilience.
• Leadership in Climate-Resilient Agriculture
  Women comprise a significant portion of the agricultural labour force in vulnerable regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, where agriculture is increasingly affected by climate change. Their hands-on experience enables them to adopt and disseminate climate-resilient agricultural practices. For instance, in parts of India, women’s cooperatives have introduced drought-resistant crop varieties and refined irrigation methods to maintain agricultural productivity under erratic rainfall patterns. Research from the European Investment Bank highlights that when women farmers are empowered with resources, they implement sustainable agricultural practices that not only stabilize local food supplies but also strengthen community resilience to climate shocks.
• Advocacy for Inclusive Policy and Governance
  Women’s representation in climate policy advocacy has proven essential for inclusive climate governance. Across Latin America and Southeast Asia, women-led organizations have successfully advocated for policies that include gender-responsive elements, such as land tenure rights and targeted support during natural disasters. In Guatemala, for example, women’s groups have lobbied for reforms that secure land access, enabling female farmers to cultivate climate-adaptive crops and protect local food supplies​. This advocacy not only empowers women but also enriches climate policies with the insights of those most affected by climate change.
• Social Networks for Crisis Management and Resilience
  Women’s roles in social networks play a crucial part in community resilience, particularly in disaster-prone areas. In Bangladesh, women-led networks have organized flood response initiatives, coordinating rapid resource allocation and disseminating timely information during crises. Such networks, which enhance community cohesion and mobilize resources effectively, are vital in helping communities withstand and recover from extreme weather events.
• The Path Forward: Investment and Collaboration
  To overcome these challenges, Africa needs a robust, collaborative approach that unites governments, international organizations, and the private sector. Sustainable CIS development requires targeted financial investment, skill-building for local scientists and technicians, and technological support to build and maintain essential infrastructure. Partnerships with international bodies, like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), have already shown promise by providing technical guidance and funding for CIS systems across various African regions. Increasingly, these collaborations could integrate CIS into development projects across agriculture, health, and disaster preparedness, creating a resilient framework that empowers communities to adapt proactively to climate impacts. This united approach holds the potential to bolster regional resilience and inspire a model of climate adaptation that can be replicated globally.

The integration of women’s expertise and perspectives into climate policy and community initiatives is not only equitable but strategically necessary. Recognizing and investing in these contributions can significantly enhance the scope and effectiveness of climate resilience efforts worldwide.

Women play an indispensable role in advancing climate resilience by leveraging their unique social positions, knowledge, and influence. Recognizing and supporting these contributions in climate adaptation strategies can enhance the effectiveness of policies aimed at building sustainable communities.

• Develop and Enforce Gender-Inclusive Climate Policies
  Integrating gender considerations into climate policies is foundational for creating equitable and effective climate action. For example, the UNFCCC has reported that nearly all National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) now include gender-specific language, and 90% of NDCs submitted in recent years also mention gender. Despite this progress, only 50% of NDCs include actionable, gender-focused adaptations, underscoring a need for more substantial follow-through. Enhancing these policies through gender-disaggregated data collection, equitable representation in decision-making bodies, and local-level gender analysis can lead to a more balanced approach to climate resilience.
• Support Women’s Leadership in Community-Based Climate Initiatives
  Gender-responsive projects led by women are gaining traction in communities worldwide, proving their critical role in adaptation and resilience. In Gujarat, India, women-led rainwater harvesting initiatives have helped alleviate water scarcity, while in Guatemala, women’s groups are involved in restoring mangrove ecosystems and managing fisheries. These examples highlight that empowering women in local initiatives not only enhances climate resilience but also improves livelihoods. Expanding such projects globally could significantly amplify community resilience and sustainable practices, particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable regions.
• Advocacy for Inclusive Policy and Governance
  Women’s representation in climate policy advocacy has proven essential for inclusive climate governance. Across Latin America and Southeast Asia, women-led organizations have successfully advocated for policies that include gender-responsive elements, such as land tenure rights and targeted support during natural disasters. In Guatemala, for example, women’s groups have lobbied for reforms that secure land access, enabling female farmers to cultivate climate-adaptive crops and protect local food supplies​. This advocacy not only empowers women but also enriches climate policies with the insights of those most affected by climate change.
• Increase Women’s Access to Climate Financing and Resources
  Women often face limited access to financial resources, restricting their ability to lead or benefit from climate initiatives. Financial organizations like the European Investment Bank and the Green Climate Fund are working to address this by increasing funding for gender-sensitive projects, including those led by women’s cooperatives in sustainable agriculture. However, barriers remain, particularly for women in low-income and rural communities. Expanding tailored financial mechanisms and providing technical assistance can ensure women have equitable opportunities to engage in and benefit from climate solutions across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and water management.
• Mitigate Gender-Based Vulnerabilities Exacerbated by Climate Change
  Climate change amplifies social vulnerabilities, increasing women’s risk of food insecurity, displacement, and gender-based violence. Countries like Bangladesh and Kenya have developed initiatives to address these risks, such as involving women in water and land management to increase safety and security. However, there is a continued need for policies that address these specific vulnerabilities, especially in regions prone to extreme weather events. Integrating protective measures and gender-focused safety nets into climate action plans can create more resilient communities while empowering women to actively participate in adaptation efforts​.

A comprehensive approach to climate change demands gender-responsive solutions that position women as key agents in resilience-building. Women’s distinct roles in resource management, policy advocacy, and community leadership bolster climate adaptation efforts and support vulnerable populations. This involves ensuring equitable access to resources, fostering leadership opportunities, and embedding inclusivity within policy frameworks to enhance the impact and reach of climate interventions. Integrating gender considerations into climate action is not merely advantageous; but critical for effective, inclusive, and sustainable climate resilience on a global scale.