Gender Mainstreaming in Climate Policy: Empowering Women and Reducing Gender Disparities in Post-Disaster Scenarios

Abstract

Gender mainstreaming involves integrating a gender perspective into various actions, policies, legislations, or initiatives to address the concerns of all individuals and prevent the perpetuation of gender inequalities through institutional channels. Despite its global implementation, gender mainstreaming has not consistently resulted in progress for women; often, it is linked to a scaling back of policies and programs specifically targeting women. Recent research highlights the gendered impacts of climate change, yet efforts to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies have largely neglected gender mainstreaming. Additionally, the predominant scientific and technological focus in institutional responses has overshadowed social outcomes, leading to insufficient attention to vulnerable groups, particularly women. This paper argues for the imperative of gender mainstreaming in climate policy and advocates for policies explicitly centered on women's empowerment. The essence of gender mainstreaming is crucial not only for ensuring the comprehensiveness of climate policies and programs but also for the development of women-focused policies, ensuring that women receive the necessary support and empowerment to take proactive measures on their own behalf.