The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Samuel Hall published a new study advocating for gender-transformative climate resilience interventions that are informed by the diverse local experiences of women and girls impacted by climate change. The report, "Shifting Gender Roles, Building Resilience: Women at the Forefront of Climate Adaptation in Africa,” explores the intricate connections between gender, climate, and mobility through firsthand accounts from Kenya, Nigeria, and Somalia. It explores the barriers, enablers, and entry points to address the Gender-Climate-Mobility Nexus while emphasising women’s contributions to promoting more inclusive and effective climate actions, despite the challenges of navigating and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, displacement, and socioeconomic constraints. 

“Local actors, including women’s groups and grassroots organizations, possess valuable knowledge and skills for context-specific adaptation. However, cultural norms often disproportionately exacerbate the challenges faced by women and girls, limiting their choices and adaptive responses to climate change. Most lack access to the climate finance needed to scale up locally derived solutions, enhance local capacity, and create channels for information access within their communities,” said Dr. Matthias Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa.

Given the critical role of early recovery in transitioning from humanitarian aid to sustainable development solutions, the study focuses on women farmers and pastoralists. The new report highlights that, while women often possess unique knowledge regarding the domestic and social impacts of climate change, which makes them powerful knowledge holders and mobilizers within their communities, the perpetuation of gender inequalities increases their fragility and vulnerability, including their capacity to meet community needs. 

“To bridge the gaps and foster inclusive climate adaptation, the findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the daily struggles faced by women—displaced populations, pastoralists, and farmers—and the adaptive measures, laying the groundwork for informed, context-sensitive interventions,” said Nassim Majidi, Director of Samuel Hall.

Findings in Shifting Gender Roles, Building Resilience: Women at the Forefront of Climate Adaptation in Africa raise important points for consideration: 

First, women are crucial custodians of indigenous knowledge passed down through generations and traditions. In Nigeria and Somalia, women have heightened awareness of climate-adaptive solutions, particularly in displacement settings. Their invaluable insights can pave the way for localised solutions that ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods through participation in farming and agriculture. They are often the first to notice declining resources, such as water and soil quality, along with specific environmental hazards, and they lead efforts to find solutions for their communities. 

Secondly, an opportunity exists to forge stronger community alliances and structures that empower local actors to be at the forefront of humanitarian action and lead in adaptive solutions. Informal social protection mechanisms and community support during and after disasters significantly enhance better and faster adaptation practices. 

Thirdly, challenging social norms creates opportunities for communities to engage in gender-transformative strategies, particularly for young people who perceive cultural dimensions differently. Investing in new perspectives on social and cultural norms, including the use of digitalisation and emerging technologies, can open new possibilities for youth engagement, both male and female, in innovative climate adaptation practices and strategies. 

Fourthly, education and information about climate change are essential for adaptation, enabling communities to make informed decisions. Ensuring that women and girls have equal access to climate-related information and early warning systems enhances their capacity and resilience. This also fosters environments where women can share their ideas, experiences, and solutions for the benefit of the broader society.

Fifth, amplifying women’s voices and actions in climate adaptation is crucial in breaking barriers that continue to marginalise them. Acknowledging women's role in fostering climate adaptation and resilience through indigenous knowledge is key to bridging the gaps hindering their participation in policy and decision-making as critical actors in climate change initiatives, not just as beneficiaries. 

“A resilient future cannot exist if segments of society are left behind. Championing social inclusion ensures that no voice is silenced, Indigenous knowledge is recognised, and women have a seat at the table. By partnering with local communities, grassroots organisations, and especially women’s groups, climate adaptation financial resources can catalyse an integrated approach to the Gender-Climate-Mobility Nexus to build resilient communities and ensure that no one is left behind,” stated Dr. Zeynu Umer, Director of the Resilience Hub, UNDP Africa. 

For more insights, download the full report here.