(Photo by Kelly L from Pexels )
It is well-known by now that women are disproportionately affected by climate change. They are among the most vulnerable population groups in developing countries, particularly those who are connected to agriculture , fisheries, and dependent on natural resources. Women are the face of poverty and climate shocks and these stresses undermine their livelihoods and further exacerbate their economic hardships and subject them to multifarious risks including sexual exploitation and abuse.
The gender gap in access to and control over productive assets, resources, and services in agriculture is also well established. Women have limited opportunities to enhance their resilience to climate change due to these gender gaps. Agricultural research and development organizations have been making efforts to reduce the gender gaps, supported by some policy measures. However, the gaps continue to persist and, unless they are addressed, we will not be able to address climate change effectively.
The gender gaps are only the symptoms or visible manifestations of gender inequality. Unless we address the root causes which are the deeply entrenched social and gender norms and structural barriers, we will not be able to achieve lasting change. Gender Transformative Approaches (GTAs) aim to tackle these root causes.
In late 2012, a group of researchers and practitioners from agriculture and health sectors gathered in Penang, Malaysia to explore the potential of applying GTAs in agriculture . The Aquatic Agricultural Systems Research Program of the CGIAR pioneered the application and we have come a long way since. Significant progress has been made, some …