On the realities of gender inclusion in climate change policies in Nepal

Abstract

Climate change impacts are felt globally but not equally. Even within the most vulnerable groups, women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of a changing climate. This review delves into the issue of how climate change and related policy documents in Nepal have addressed the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change. Through a gendered lens, the policies are evaluated as to whether they are gender-blind or gender-aware. We have reviewed 24 documents with climate change as a thematic area of focus along with other climate change-related national policy documents on the environment, forestry and watershed, agriculture, and disaster. Out of the 24 documents reviewed, 19 were found to be gender-aware and 5 were found to be gender-blind. We recommend gender-transformative policy development as it has been made clear that unless prevalent structural inequalities are addressed, the vulnerable cannot adapt to climate change impacts.