How is gender-specific vulnerability understood and assessed in SAPCC?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Gender Studies
• Climate Policy Analysis

Background:

• Climate action plans aim to include vulnerable groups like women.
• The integration of gender-specific vulnerabilities and adaptation measures in these plans remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how India's national and state-level climate action plans address gender-specific vulnerabilities and adaptation.
• To assess the gender responsiveness of climate policies in India.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of 33 climate action plans (28 State Action Plans for Climate Change and 5 Union Territory Action Plans for Climate Change).
• Analysis focused on three themes: gendered vulnerability, gender-disaggregated data, and gender capacity-building policies and adaptation measures.

Main Results:

• States were classified into three categories: highly gender-responsive, moderately gender-responsive, and gender-blind.
• Gender responsiveness varied based on women's agricultural participation, political commitment to gender equality, and cultural norms.
• Significant gaps exist in mainstreaming gender into climate policy.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing gender mainstreaming in climate policy is crucial for effectively addressing women's vulnerabilities.
• Policy recommendations are needed to improve gender integration in climate adaptation strategies.