Policy Recommendation

C-7 Gender and Climate Change in South Asia: An Intersectional Analysis

These recommendations aim to strengthen the role of women in combating climate change in South Asia, focusing on enhancing their participation, financial inclusion, and leadership in climate initiatives, as well as raising awareness about the intersectional nature of gender and climate issues:

o   Ensure active participation of women in climate-related decision-making processes by providing equal pay and establishing specific quotas for women in the workforce. Additionally, invest in capacity-building for women, particularly in rural areas, to enhance their resilience to climate change.

o   Use regulatory and legislative measures to promote financial inclusion for women, enabling them to invest in climate-resilient livelihoods. Ensure women have access to finance and technology, which are crucial for substantive change.

o   Incorporate gender perspectives into all climate change policies and programmes. This includes conducting gender impact assessments of climate policies to ensure they meet the needs of women and men equally.

o   Encourage and support initiatives led by women that focus on climate adaptation and mitigation. This can involve providing grants, technical assistance, and platforms for knowledge exchange.

o   Conduct widespread awareness campaigns to highlight the intersectionality of gender and climate change issues. These campaigns should aim to educate policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public on the unique challenges faced by women in the context of climate change.