Adaptation, gender, and women’s empowerment

Abstract

Gender is a critical factor in understanding vulnerability to climate change because the inequitable distribution of rights, resources and power constrain many people’s ability to take action on climate change. Climate change is making it even more difficult for many women to realise their basic rights, and it is worsening inequalities. Many women are also denied access to new information about climate change and participation in important decision-making processes despite having unique skills and vital knowledge to contribute. CARE promotes an approach to adaptation that supports understanding gender as a critical factor, and supports women and men living in poverty to access the resources, rights and opportunities they need to deal with the impacts of climate change.